Mancini 'feels like chinning Balotelli every day'
Published 22:32 05/04/12 By David McDonnell
Roberto Mancini admits Mario Balotelli frustrates him so much he could PUNCH him.
Balotelli’s antics have angered Mancini to such an extent the Manchester City boss said he would take a swing at him if they were team-mates.
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Maverick forward Balotelli, who walked away unhurt from a car crash in Manchester city centre on Thursday, has become embroiled in numerous bust-ups with his City team-mates and Mancini said he can see why.
“I told Mario, ‘If you played with me 10 years ago I’d give to you every day maybe one punch in your head,’” said Mancini.
“His problem is concentration, but I work with him every day.
“I don’t speak with him every day - otherwise I would need a psychologist - but I speak with him because I don’t want him to lose his quality.
“Mario can be one of the top players in Europe. I don’t want him to lose his talent.”
Balotelli clashed with team-mate Aleksander Kolarov over who should take a free-kick in last Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Sunderland.
Mancini declared last week that he did not trust Balotelli, but said he would continue to stick by the talented but troubled 21-year-old.
“What happened with Mario and Kolarov on the pitch, these situations can happen in difficult moments between two team-mates,” said Mancini.
“It’s not a good thing but this can happen when you are so nervous in a difficult moment. But after the game everything was finished.
“But I’m not worried [by Balotelli’s conduct]. What is important is that after the game everything was okay.
“We didn’t have any problems between Mario and Kolarov. I don’t like this but I can understand this situation can happen.”
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