Mancini sticking with Mario

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini says he is ready to give temperamental striker Mario Balotelli another chance.

Last Updated: 21/12/12 at 21:54 Post Comment

Roberto Mancini: Has offered an olive branch to errant striker Mario Balotelli

Roberto Mancini: Has offered an olive branch to errant striker Mario Balotelli

Balotelli backed down over a £340,000 fine for ill-discipline this week, abandoning his appeal to a Premier League tribunal.

The situation had increased speculation he could leave City during the January transfer window but Mancini welcomed the U-turn and challenged the 22-year-old to now force his way back into the first-team.

Mancini said: "This is an old situation and it is normal when someone does a mistake he should take his responsibilities and Mario did this. It's normal.

"He (should) respect himself, not me, because it's important for him to respect himself, very important.

"I am his manager, like other players, and if he deserves to have other chances he will have them."

Balotelli will not feature in Saturday's visit of Reading after missing training with a virus.

Mancini said: "This weekend Mario, unfortunately, is ill. He came (on Friday morning) but he can't do anything."

Don't miss any live and exclusive football coverage this festive season. Click here to visit Sky Sports' Festive Calendar

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

W

hat's a Bebe??

godsaveourkeane
Bebe seeking Sporting switch

W

hips, harness and saddlery ? This IS an Onion article.

v. profane
Bale set to trademark logo

I

want to trademark the word football .

herculezbotak
Bale set to trademark logo

Footer 365

Southgate tipped for U-21 job

Gareth Southgate is the overwhelming bookmakers' favourite to replace Stuart Pearce as England Under-21s manager.

La Liga: Gerard Pique wants Barcelona to keep Thiago Alcantara

Gerard Pique wants Barcelona to try and talk Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara into staying at the Catalan club.

Transfer news: Andy Carroll passes West Ham medical ahead of Liverpool exit

Liverpool striker Andy Carroll has passed his medical with West Ham ahead of his proposed £15million move to Upton Park.

Mail Box

Twas The Worst Game I Ever Did See...

In this Mailbox it's England v Algeria in 2010 that is seen as the nadir, but there's potential for worse, surely. Plus, one man says we should praise Rooney's honesty...

Why Doesn't Suarez Request A Transfer?

The morning mailbox ponders Luis Suarez's current predicament, cool footballers, the Lion City Cup, Spurs' transfer policy, Kanu's absence and lots more...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved