Is any one player in world football currently on the receiving end of more criticism than Mario Balotelli? The Italian striker has been in terrible form all season long, and his shirt swapping antics against Real Madrid have helped to turn fans against him.
Brendan Rodgers has protected the player in public (in all matters not relating to swapping shirts), but he finally seems to be finding it hard to hide his dissatisfaction. Check out his comments from after the Real Madrid game:
‘Mario is working hard on the training field. As long as he’s doing his best that’s all I can ask for. Whether Mario’s best is good enough longer term, that remains to be seen.’ (Source: The Metro)
That last sentence is somewhat revealing. Does it suggest that Brendan Rodgers doesn’t see Mario Balotelli as a long-term solution?
Either way, former Liverpool star Jamie Carragher has gone a step further. When quizzed about Mario Balotelli, he responded:
‘Do I think he’s going to be here long-term? No, I’d be surprised to see him here next season if I’m being honest. It was a panic… We needed someone. Who was available? Who knows who Brendan Rodgers and his scouting staff went for but they left it too late.’ (Source: The Metro)
Wow – with all due respect to Carragher, who’s a decent enough pundit, these comments do strike me as a little reactionary. Sure, Mario Balotelli has done a lot to rile fans up, but I’m not sure that he deserves this kind of treatment.
Isn’t it clear that goals will come? Whilst at AC Milan, he scored 30 goals in 54 games. We know that he’s got it in him. We also know that he’s capable of performing in the Premier League, as he’s done it with Manchester City.
He’s going through a rough patch and the pressure’s on at the moment. Once he bags a couple of goals, gets the backing of his manager (and team-mates), we’re going to see a completely different player.
He’s more physical than Daniel Sturridge and I’d argue that he’s better in the air. He offers The Reds something completely different. When he finds his goal-scoring boots, he’s going to be a real asset. Let’s just hope that the club don’t send him packing before then.
What’s your take? Is Jamie Carragher right to criticise Mario Balotelli in this manner?
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