Mario Balotelli must back up words with deeds, says Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini - 7M sport

Mario Balotelli must back up words with deeds, says Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini



I have a say

Posted Friday, December 24, 2010 by Thisislondon.co.uk

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has told Mario Balotelli to start playing with a smile on his face.

Mario Balotelli must back up words with deeds, says Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini
Motor mouth: Mario Balotelli has yet to support his big claims with big performances

Although there have been flashes of the brilliance that has seen Balotelli crowned the world's best young player since his summer arrival at Eastlands from Inter Milan, there have been just as many scowls and temper tantrums.

It was more of the latter on Monday as the 20 year-old turned in an ineffective performance against Everton and was eventually substituted due to injury.

Mancini expects Balotelli to be fit for the Boxing Day trip to Newcastle. But if he is involved at St James' Park, the City manager would like to see a lighter approach than the one he has been getting recently.

"He must improve in this situation," said Mancini. "You need to smile to play football. That is the best thing you can do."

Balotelli clearly has a high opinion of himself.

By dismissing Jack Wilshere as "Jack who?" in assessing the man who finished runner-up for the coveted Golden Boy prize, Balotelli spoke about being able to make as big an impact on the game as Lionel Messi.

Mancini does not have a problem with such ultra-high confidence. But he does feel it would be better if Balotelli was matching his words with actions on a regular basis.

"It is good when a player has confidence in himself," he said.

"Mario Balotelli has everything you need to be one of the best players in the world.

"But he must improve and he must show it. Only if you play well in every game can you say these things. It depends on him.

"The Premier League is so different from the Italian league. Mario must understand. If he thinks what he says he must show it in every game." 



Attention: Third parties may advertise their products and/or services on our website.7M does not warrant the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of their contents.
Your dealings with such third parties are solely between you and such third parties and we shall not be liable in any way for any loss or damage of any sort incurred by you.