Mario Balotelli [On the Road to Ballon d'or)

[Alex]

Id rather someone like him who wants to be here over a player that doesnt. I want to give him all the chances in the world, and now I keep thinking a good preseason and a season in the side will do him wonders. Start him off next year and put some faith in him. See what he does.

Still dont think he has been given a fair crack in a system that suits his game. That Spurs game he played always gives me hope.

[MrMichael]

No. Just no. What's that saying about the definition of insanity being continually doing the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different result? I honestly find it incredible people keep trying to convince themselves against every shred of actual evidence that this guy is good at football... and some are so much more prepared to keep that faith in him than show it to someone like Danny Ings who actually gives a **** and might realise some of his talent. I just do not understand what Mario has ever done in his entire career to justify excuse after excuse after excuse being made for him, let alone in his pitiful displays since signing for us.

Bonkers. Absolutely bonkers.

[BigChief]

Does anyone else find the lack of histrionics, comments, even tweets from Mario a bit too disconcerting? Its not like Mario and he's thrown me off balance.

[Alex]

No. Just no. What's that saying about the definition of insanity being continually doing the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different result? I honestly find it incredible people keep trying to convince themselves against every shred of actual evidence that this guy is good at football... and some are so much more prepared to keep that faith in him than show it to someone like Danny Ings who actually gives a **** and might realise some of his talent. I just do not understand what Mario has ever done in his entire career to justify excuse after excuse after excuse being made for him, let alone in his pitiful displays since signing for us.

Bonkers. Absolutely bonkers.

So you are telling me, I shouldn't support him as a Liverpool player?

I can understand that attitude with work, if someone lets me down logic dictates that I cut them adrift and let them do it to someone else. But Football is a bit different and logic goes out of the window most of the time.

[Buzzo]

Yeah, I'd love it if Mario could sort it out and score some goals for us. Plus we need someone to take the pens now Stevie is away.

Mario

Thats 2 positive football posts from me in 2 days.

[Rowan]

No. Just no. What's that saying about the definition of insanity being continually doing the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different result? I honestly find it incredible people keep trying to convince themselves against every shred of actual evidence that this guy is good at football... and some are so much more prepared to keep that faith in him than show it to someone like Danny Ings who actually gives a **** and might realise some of his talent. I just do not understand what Mario has ever done in his entire career to justify excuse after excuse after excuse being made for him, let alone in his pitiful displays since signing for us.

Bonkers. Absolutely bonkers.

I find your lack of faith disturbing

[baitman]

the best we can hope for is we showcase him on tour and he gets a move somewhere and we recover as much as possible.
we can then give ingsy all the playing time we can cos hes ****ing ace


disclaimer; may only be a little bit ace, but substantially better than mario.

[Maxiedge]

Another thing about Mario, and I guess the owners have this in mind, is that he's a global name. It's quite nice having an Italian international as your 3rd/4th choice striker. Gives the team a bit of gravitas

As I said, as long as he's not being disruptive, I'd keep him.

[MrMichael]

So you are telling me, I shouldn't support him as a Liverpool player?

I can understand that attitude with work, if someone lets me down logic dictates that I cut them adrift and let them do it to someone else. But Football is a bit different and logic goes out of the window most of the time.

No I never said anything about support, but what I don't understand at all though is what makes Mario such a special case? Where are all the hopeful posts in the Lovren thread for example? How come so many seem convinced Benteke would be a disaster yet some still think Balotelli can come good? Why does he get a level of latitude and excuses made for him virtually no other lfc player gets despite having done less for us than pretty any other player I can think of? Inexplicable.

[Buzzo]

No I never said anything about support, but what I don't understand at all though is what makes Mario such a special case? Where are all the hopeful posts in the Lovren thread for example? How come so many seem convinced Benteke would be a disaster yet some still think Balotelli can come good? Why does he get a level of latitude and excuses made for him virtually no other lfc player gets despite having done less for us than pretty any other player I can think of? Inexplicable.

I dunno, there are plenty of posts slating Mario, certainly more than there are saying that he should be given a chance?

Surely people post what they think or hope? It would be boring if we all thought the same. Similarly, I find it hard to see Brendan turning round our disastrous form of last season where I think his limitations as a coach came to the surface but as the new season starts have resigned myself to giving him a chance.

I's say few people see any cause for optimism in Lovrens performances, whereas Mario did have a few decent performances for us, without getting the much needed goals. Though you don't see it, he has performed in the past for City and Italy. Obviously he has talent, but comes with loads of baggage - perhaps staying for an additional season will let him settle. I recall in the past at Arsenal players of the pedigree of Bergkamp and Henry taking a season to settle (Henry an untested Monaco and Juve winger). I'd be happy if he stayed and proved himself, but wouldn't be surprised if he left.

[MrMichael]

I dunno, there are plenty of posts slating Mario, certainly more than there are saying that he should be given a chance?

Probably, though I was just responding to a few above... And I still think the proportion of faith is out of whack with the actual evidence

Surely people post what they think or hope? It would be boring if we all thought the same. Similarly, I find it hard to see Brendan turning round our disastrous form of last season where I think his limitations as a coach came to the surface but as the new season starts have resigned myself to giving him a chance.

I's say few people see any cause for optimism in Lovrens performances, whereas Mario did have a few decent performances for us, without getting the much needed goals. Though you don't see it, he has performed in the past for City and Italy. Obviously he has talent, but comes with loads of baggage. I'd be happy if he stayed and proved himself, but wouldn't be surprised if he left.

Sure people can think what they like, as can I

Really though saying Mario had a few decent performances for us is pushing it, on balance he was dreadful. He's had like one good game for Italy ever, and City fans universally state he only genuinely turned up a couple of times in 3 seasons. Mario the player is all hype and no substance and I guess that's what bugs me so much about him, that far far more honest, hard working and committed players get so much less leeway.

[RedReet]

MrMichael
Trust me, I'm Irish... and the Fantasy Football Champion

Just notice this. Painful memories.

F*cker.

[Fosterbloke]

No. Just no. What's that saying about the definition of insanity being continually doing the same thing over and over and somehow expecting a different result?

Recent sacking and appointments of coaching staff would suggest we're not insane and this should be extended to the players who will be subject to new training methods and tactics which might bring out more of players that didn't shine last season.

[MrMichael]

Just notice this. Painful memories.

F*cker.

Don't worry, there's a place in my dust waiting for you next season too

[MrMichael]

Recent sacking and appointments of coaching staff would suggest we're not insane and this should be extended to the players who will be subject to new training methods and tactics which might bring out more of players that didn't shine last season.

That's a fair point, although it also has shades of the "Brendan will get the best out of him" line a few used last summer. I don't think coaching is the issue with Balotelli personally, but if he does stay, as last year, I'd love to be proven wrong.

Won't happen though