Mario Balotelli has all the tools to become one of the world’s best strikers. Many football experts would agree with this statement. You can add Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini to the list.
Mancini feels that if Balotelli maintains his focus, he is destined for success. However, with Balotelli that may be easier said than done and the Italian manager knows just that.
“With Mario it is never easy,” laughed Mancini.
“But we keep in our mind that Mario is young, and young guys can have different behaviour.
“I know him very well. I know he is a fantastic guy.
“I want him to work well all the time, in every training session and every match because this year he could be an important player for us.
“He has everything. He has the technical ability. He is strong. He shoots very well. He can score with his head.
“He needs time but he can become one of the top players.”
Balotelli looks to be Manchester City’s third striker at the moment. The Italian is behind Premier League newcomer Sergio “Kun” Aguero and Edin Dzeko, who have both started the 2011-12 EPL campaign on cracking form. Balotelli seems to have surpassed the out of favour Carlos Tevez on the pecking order, which will certainly make the unhappy Tevez even unhappier.
English Premier League v. German Bundesliga
In other news, Manchester City are set to take on Bayern Munich in Group A of the UEFA Champions League this Tuesday.
Bayern sit atop Group A after defeating Villarreal 2-0 in Spain. City were held to a 1-1 draw by Italian side Napoli at the Etihad Stadium, making Tuesday’s clash a monumental game for Roberto Mancini’s men.
If City hope to advance to the knockout stages of the Champions League, they will surely need a result at Bayern. One point just may do the trick, but three would obviously be better.
“Tuesday is a big game,” said City midfielder James Milner.
“Four points would be a lot different to getting another draw or a defeat, so this game could shape the group.
“But there are a lot of games to play. It doesn’t seem many but there are still 15 points to play for.
“Ten gets you qualified more often than not so we will just take it a game at a time.
“They are all tough games but we are more than ready for it.”
Milner also identified key differences between Premier League and Champions League football that City must adjust to.
“There are similarities and differences,” said Milner.
“You are playing against different styles when you play European football.
“The Premier League is very fast. Europe is slower and you probably see more fouls.
“It is something you might not be used to if you have only played in the Premier League.
“Luckily we have a really good squad of players who have played European or international football, which obviously helps that transition.”
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