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Roberto Mancini urges Mario Balotelli to behave himself during title run-in
The Manchester City boss has requested calm from the controversial Italian striker for the remainder of the campaign, claiming that if his head is right, he can have a big impact
16 Feb 2012 07:50:00
By James McManus
Getty Images
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has pleaded with hot-headed striker Mario Balotelli to keep his composure over the coming weeks as the title run-in begins.
With Carlos Tevez set to return to the fold, it is the nature of another one of his turbulent strikers that Mancini is keen to keep a lid on.
“I have spoken to Mario two weeks ago,” Mancini told reporters.
“I said, ‘Please, we have 13 games to play and the Europa League, try to have good behaviour on the pitch and think to only play football.’”
The 21 year-old Italian striker, who is due to return from a four-match suspension for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker, has courted controversy regularly since his arrival at the club.
He has received 17 yellow cards and 3 red cards since his start his arrival in 2010 and has been the subject of rumours regarding bizarre behaviour off the pitch.
“It is difficult to find a good definition for him,” Mancini continued.
“We know that Mario is a fantastic player, but he’s young and sometimes he will make mistakes.
"If he can keep his composure, if his head is OK, for the next couple of months he will be important for us. It’s important to have all the players ready and available for all the games.”
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With Carlos Tevez set to return to the fold, it is the nature of another one of his turbulent strikers that Mancini is keen to keep a lid on.
“I have spoken to Mario two weeks ago,” Mancini told reporters.
“I said, ‘Please, we have 13 games to play and the Europa League, try to have good behaviour on the pitch and think to only play football.’”
The 21 year-old Italian striker, who is due to return from a four-match suspension for stamping on Tottenham's Scott Parker, has courted controversy regularly since his arrival at the club.
He has received 17 yellow cards and 3 red cards since his start his arrival in 2010 and has been the subject of rumours regarding bizarre behaviour off the pitch.
“It is difficult to find a good definition for him,” Mancini continued.
“We know that Mario is a fantastic player, but he’s young and sometimes he will make mistakes.
"If he can keep his composure, if his head is OK, for the next couple of months he will be important for us. It’s important to have all the players ready and available for all the games.”
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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