Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has revealed how the antics of hothead striker Mario Balotelli have driven him to the edge.
The precociously talented 20-year-old Italian has not been adverse to controversy since his arrival in Manchester 12 months ago.
The ex-Inter Milan man also risked the wrath of City fans this week by claiming he doesn't like living in Manchester.
"I have to speak to Mario every single day and I think that maybe now I need a psychologist!" Mancini told a press conference.
"I don't know why he does the things he does, except to say that he is a young guy who will eventually grow up.
"But I have known him since he was 17 and he is even worse now than he was then. We all do crazy things when we are young. I did crazy things, you did crazy things.
"Of course, I made mistakes when I was 17. But when you get to 20 it is time to change because your career as a footballer is only 10 or 12 years. It is important that Mario understands this.
"Maybe I am more patient with players if they are young. Mario is young and I understand he is homesick because it is not easy for a young guy to be away from his family.
"Sometimes I have been really disappointed with him and at other times I understand his behaviour.
"But I think he must now understand that he must improve his behaviour for the good of the team."
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| Roberto Mancini says that Mario Balotelli is a young guy who will eventually grow up Photo: Getty Images |
The precociously talented 20-year-old Italian has not been adverse to controversy since his arrival in Manchester 12 months ago.
On the pitch, Balotelli infuriated Mancini last month when he spurned a guilt-edged goalscoring opportunity in a friendly against LA Galaxy by attempting an audacious back heel.
The ex-Inter Milan man also risked the wrath of City fans this week by claiming he doesn't like living in Manchester.
"I have to speak to Mario every single day and I think that maybe now I need a psychologist!" Mancini told a press conference.
"I don't know why he does the things he does, except to say that he is a young guy who will eventually grow up.
"But I have known him since he was 17 and he is even worse now than he was then. We all do crazy things when we are young. I did crazy things, you did crazy things.
"Of course, I made mistakes when I was 17. But when you get to 20 it is time to change because your career as a footballer is only 10 or 12 years. It is important that Mario understands this.
"Maybe I am more patient with players if they are young. Mario is young and I understand he is homesick because it is not easy for a young guy to be away from his family.
"Sometimes I have been really disappointed with him and at other times I understand his behaviour.
"But I think he must now understand that he must improve his behaviour for the good of the team."
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
