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

[baitman]

maybe we are going to do an arsenal and wait until a new stadium can better finance the purchase of oven ready [non] turkeys.

[Kenneth]

Without a London property sale and stadium naming rights, that's not going to be anytime soon.

[red g]

I agree, cant see how we wont lose money on Balotelli, He is running out of clubs who will want to be spending 80k a week on him....and we took a 16m gamble and it didnt work, I reckon if he goes in january it will be a 10-12milion gamble from someone but even then not sure any decent club will come in for him, Best hope is one of the rich russian clubs in and pays silly money and wages for him.

[TheElephantMan]

Another club will pay £16m for him, his profile is still massive. He has the ability to be a top drawer player, but I just don't think he's cut out for the PL and he isn't a good fit for us. We expect players to work their bollocks off and we can forgive a lack of technical ability. Balotelli needs more time on the ball in a different league - he has the technical ability, but he's not going to make the required effort required in the Premier League.

[JohnDoe]

It seems to me that Rodgers is deflecting blame and is happy to put all the focus on Balotelli.

[alonso14]

Brendan didn't want Balotelli, he had one or two more expensive alternatives but the club refused to pay up until Borini was sold and the money was in the bank. Borini says he's staying and we panic buy Mario. Brendan is cross, Mario starts badly, Brendan is losing his rag with the situation and starts speaking out.

Now all of that might well be bollocks, it probably is. It might not be though, and if it isn't it could be a sign of a deeper issue. Brendan seems like he could be the kind of guy who would walk away if he isn't satisfied with the club, and come out with "I asked for a table and they brought me a lampshade". I have this niggling feeling that this situation could get worse. It's probably just something I ate though.

No mate. I fully agree with everything you have said. Brendan Rodgers probably doesn't have as much say over our transfer targets as we believe.

But I wouldn't write off balotelli just yet. Sometimes to unearth the gem you need to chip off all the waste. If this next six months or year sees balotellis arrogance broken down and then another player emerges who is willing to listen and fight for the team then maybe its worth it.

Mario has talent but at the moment his attitude isn't right. That's what has to change.

[captainfog]

Lots of people say if he sorts his attitude out he'll be a great player, but I just don't see it. I don't think it's his attitude holding him back, I just don't think he's very good.

[Alex]

Sort of an Italian Darren Bent or Robbie Keane?

[RedRum]

Maybe a hybrid of Balotelli and Borini would be a decent player but separated they just aren't good enough. Waiting on technology to catch up with my ideas is a pain sometimes.

[Reece]

Maybe a hybrid of Balotelli and Borini would be a decent player but separated they just aren't good enough. Waiting on technology to catch up with my ideas is a pain sometimes.

[Maxiedge]

Maybe a hybrid of Balotelli and Borini would be a decent player but separated they just aren't good enough. Waiting on technology to catch up with my ideas is a pain sometimes.

I'd play both up front against Hull. Pack the midfield, Sterling number 10 and I'm pretty sure we'd get the result.

[Gibbo]

I'd play both up front against Hull. Pack the midfield, Sterling number 10 and I'm pretty sure we'd get the result.

Me too. Appears Borini has been bombed out though.

[Maxiedge]

Me too. Appears Borini has been bombed out though.

bit harsh, innit? Rodgers' signing, will work hard, hasn't been given a proper run etc...

I'd rather he bombed out Glen Johnson tbh.

[Kenneth]

I don't think he's very popular after turning down the sale to Sunderland.

[Maxiedge]

I don't think he's very popular after turning down the sale to Sunderland.

yeah and QPR after that