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

[Vermilion]

Asked if Balotelli was developing a happy knack of becoming a hero from the bench, Rodgers said: “Well, if he works harder than when he came on, he will do.”

Pushed on whether he was content with the contribution Balotelli made, Rodgers said: “No, not really, no. We need to ensure that whatever level of the game we are playing at we have everyone working as a team but once we get the penalty he stops working. So he needs to improve on that facet of his game to play in his position, rather than standing on the side of the football field.

We need to ask ourselves whether his criticism of Mario of late has yielded better performances and on field attitude from him, if yes, then why wouldn't he try to push the point home ?

So long as he's explaining it in more detail to Mario in training, i don't see why it should be an issue.

[BobTheCharmer]

We need to ask ourselves whether his criticism of Mario of late has yielded better performances and on field attitude from him, if yes, then why wouldn't he try to push the point home ?

So long as he's explaining it in more detail to Mario in training, i don't see what i should be an issue.

If it works then fine. I hope this is the reason for the comments. But eventually a player, every player,will come to the point where they say enough is enough. Time will tell if this is the way to go.

[Kenneth]

If it works then fine. I hope this is the reason for the comments. But eventually a player, every player,will come to the point where they say enough is enough. Time will tell if this is the way to go.

I really think brendan dislikes the guy and hates the fact that he was signed. If his criticism ensures that Mario accepts whatever offers we may get for him in the summer then I think he will think his comments have worked. I'm starting from the same basis as Rodgers so I'm hoping so.

[captainfog]

I really think brendan dislikes the guy and hates the fact that he was signed. If his criticism ensures that Mario accepts whatever offers we may get for him in the summer then I think he will think his comments have worked. I'm starting from the same basis as Rodgers so I'm hoping so.

That's a horrible way to treat someone.

[Kenneth]

[captainfog]

I've lost a lot of respect for Rodgers this season due to among other things the way he has treated Mario. In adversity I've seen a side to him that I haven't liked.

[BobTheCharmer]

I've lost a lot of respect for Rodgers this season due to among other things the way he has treated Mario. In adversity I've seen a side to him that I haven't liked.

To be fair we don't know what Rodgers really thinks of Mario. It really could be his way of trying to get through to the lad. I have my doubts, but even so, its a little unfair to lay into Brendan with such conviction IMO.

[Rich]

I thought Balotelli worked pretty hard the other night. I'd he just wants work horses then why didn't he stick Borini on?

[Kenneth]

We also have no idea what it's like working with Mario behind the scenes. I'm more inclined to believe that Rodgers is being reasonable than believe that a player who was involved in a physical altercation with a previous manager, and has generally been a dick, is being treated horribly.

[Kenneth]

Brendan mentions his application after the penalty. Can anyone remember the game after we scored? I can't recall a single thing after that point. Maybe it's my age.

[captainfog]

We also have no idea what it's like working with Mario behind the scenes. I'm more inclined to believe that Rodgers is being reasonable than believe that a player who was involved in a physical altercation with a previous manager, and has generally been a dick, is being treated horribly.

Everyone knows what Mario is like, if he doesn't like that kind of character then why sign him? Its moronic.

[Kenneth]

We don't know about how that came about either.

[captainfog]

Brendan mentions his application after the penalty. Can anyone remember the game after we scored? I can't recall a single thing after that point. Maybe it's my age.

It was only a couple of minutes and in that time I remember making an important interception at a corner. Maybe im wrong and that was before? Either way nobody on here was screaming at him for being lazy.

Part of me thinks this is Rodgers doing one of his look at me aren't I clever statements. Most other manager would praise him, but I'm a tactical genius who does things differently. Arrogant gob****e that he is.

Or maybe he just hates Mario.

[Redspin]

It was only a couple of minutes and in that time I remember making an important interception at a corner. Maybe im wrong and that was before? Either way nobody on here was screaming at him for being lazy.

Part of me thinks this is Rodgers doing one of his look at me aren't I clever statements. Most other manager would praise him, but I'm a tactical genius who does things differently. Arrogant gob****e that he is.

Or maybe he just hates Mario.

Or maybe you're an idiot with an axe to grind who reads far too much into things?

[Kenneth]

Maybe both are true. Or neither.