Roberto Mancini criticises the Italian maverick…
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Former Premier League winning Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has criticised his former player Mario Balotelli, but claims that his current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has what it takes to get the best out of the Italian, reports the Sun.
Mancini managed Balotelli during his time at Inter Milan, and famously brought him to England for big money in 2010. The pair endured a fractious relationship, which culminated in a well-publicised training ground bust-up, which eventually saw the 24-year-old striker shipped back to Italy.
“I stayed with Balotelli for four years, I think that is enough!” Mancini said when asked about his former protege.
“I was surprised he signed for Liverpool in the summer, but in my opinion he’s a good player.
“Maybe he should put his brain in order. But in England he has played very well and this is why Liverpool wanted to buy him.
“Brendan Rodgers is a good manager — I think he will know the right way to handle him.”
Liverpool signed Balotelli for £16m towards the end of the transfer window, and despite working hard during matches, he’s badly struggled in front of goal. He’s not yet notched in the Premier League, and was dropped for Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over West Brom at Anfield.
As a result of his performances (and also perhaps his attitude), he’s been dropped from the Italian national squad, and has remained at Melwood this week while many of his teammates are on international duty.
Rodgers though will be desperate for Balotelli to eventually start bagging goals, with £75m superstar Luis Suarez now with Barcelona.