Monday, 10th December, 2012
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has explained his decision to pull Mario Balotelli off in the 52nd minute during the Manchester derby yesterday, issuing a warning to the striker to improve.
Balotelli’s performance disappointed Mancini and after the striker’s latest involvement, the Italian turned around and gestured instantly to Carlos Tevez, who came on and helped to inspire a comeback for the Citizens.
Ultimately the champions lost the match deep into injury time when Robin van Persie curled in a free-kick to give Manchester United a 3-2 win.
But Mancini still had time to reflect upon Balotelli’s lacklustre display in a sky blue shirt, warning that the Italy international must get better and is in danger of wasting his talent.
"Mario didn’t do what we wanted him to do today, but he has incredible ability and I love him as a person and a player, but he needs to produce that talent during games", he told his club’s official site post-match.
relatedNewsStory
"He is young and has talent and I thought he could cause United a lot of problems. I don’t want him to waste all the talent he has."
With the defeat the Citizens have slipped to six points behind Sir Alex Ferguson’s men in the Premier League title race.
Balotelli will surely not be short of suitors if his adventure at the Etihad Stadium does come to an end.
Recently a trio of Italian sides were linked with bidding for the former Inter man.
We’ve got five €5 free betting vouchers to give away for you to use at Bet-at-home. Want to win? Email "Bet-at-home voucher" to [email protected] and we’ll put you in the draw! In association with Inside-Bet, new Bet-at-home customers only.
