Modern players not serious enough, says Mancini

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini believes modern footballers are lacking in mental strength compared to his time as a player.

Mancini made his first-team debut at Bologna in 1982, before winning Serie A titles with Sampdoria and Lazio.

As a coach, the Italian has been forced to deal with disruptive behaviour from the likes of Craig Bellamy, Emmanuel Adebayor and most notably Mario Balotelli.

And the 46-year-old believes the enormous wealth enjoyed by players early in their careers has contributed to a decline in resilience.

“When I was a player 15 or 20 years ago we were mentally stronger than they are now,” Mancini said. “Why are they less strong?”

“We were hungry then, we had less money and we wanted to become top players. We were prepared to give up everything for this. We were serious.”

Balotelli, who Mancini signed from former club Inter Milan for a reported fee of 22.6 million pounds, has made headlines for the wrong reasons several times since arriving in Manchester 12 months ago.

The striker was apparently involved in a training-ground row with teammate Aleksandar Kolarov last week, the latest incident in a catalogue of transgressions.

And while Mancini has shown considerable patience with his wayward charge, he has warned the 20-year-old to start growing up soon.

“I have to speak to Mario every single day and I think maybe now I need a psychologist,” Mancini said.

“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.

“When I was young, 17 or 18, I made mistakes like all of you.”

“But when you are 20 it is time that you change because a player’s career is not long – 10 or 12 years. It is important that Mario understands this.”

“Mario’s a fantastic guy and I don’t say that because I bought him or because I’m his manager, it’s because he is a fantastic guy.”

“He sometimes does incredible behaviour on the pitch, sometimes he doesn’t think but, off the field, Mario is often very kind to people.”