Inter Coach Roberto Mancini praises Mario Balotelli’s ‘heart’ but claims he must still ‘find his head’, as he currently sees a weaker player.
Balotelli is currently struggling with Liverpool after a disappointing World Cup, and many have pointed to Mancini as the only Coach who could bring the best out of him.
“In the Inter shirt with me he was a boy, he would have done anything, even cleaning the locker rooms,” said the 50-year-old, in an interview with the Corriere della Sera.
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini praises Mario Balotelli’s ‘heart’ but claims he must still ‘find his head’, as he currently sees a weaker player.
Balotelli is currently struggling with Liverpool after a disappointing World Cup, and many have pointed to Mancini as the only Coach who could bring the best out of him.
“In the Inter shirt with me he was a boy, he would have done anything, even cleaning the locker rooms,” said the 50-year-old, in an interview with the Corriere della Sera.
“At [Manchester] City, he was well-behaved for two-and-a-half years. With Mario it's never easy – what you tell him goes in through one ear, and out from the next. But I owe him gratitude.”
It was put to Mancini that Balotelli may be the greatest Italian player to have imploded under his management.
“I am extremely regretful of that. Mario used to go out with my sons, and the fact that they were more or less of an age was something that helped me build a relationship with him.
“As a person, I feel a strong affection towards him. He is a good person, someone who acts with his heart.
“I think he's doing his very best at Liverpool. It's all up to him. He is still young, he has the strength to get back up.
“As for his head, well… he does have to find that. After leaving City he became weaker in every aspect of the game.
“I was convinced he could do well in Milan, but that was not the case. I have no clue what his medicine could be, but anyone coaching him should be paid double – a Balotelli indemnity.
“He risks ending up like Adriano. Maybe for different reasons, but that's what he could end up like.”