Leicester City boss Claudio Ranieri feels sympathy for Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli as the controversial striker struggles to overcome his difficulties at Anfield, Italian editorial TMW report.
The Italian international joined the Reds from AC Milan last summer, a deal which divided supporters’ opinion due to his evident quality and contentious behaviour on and off the field.
His style of play didn’t coincide with Brendan Rodgers’ preference of high-pressing and lots of movement, and the risk failed to pay off as Balotelli netted just one Premier League goal all season.
Now, following the signings of Danny Ings, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino, Balotelli’s Anfield career appears all-but over, regardless of whether he’s sold this summer or not.
Speaking ahead of the campaign, Leicester City’s Claudio Ranieri says he feels sorry for his Italian compatriot and believes the 24-year-old has key qualities which have yet to be witnessed.
“Football is a game of fun and I don’t think he’s having any. I feel for Mario, he has qualities which have yet to be witnessed but it depends on him to show them," Ranieri explained.
“I hope he gets the opportunity and shows what he can really do, because it’s a necessity and at 25-years-old, it’s no longer about having plenty of promise, he needs to show what he can do."
mario again i would take him on loan
posted on 9/8/15
If Mario needs a lift, I'm available
Can fit Fabio Borini, Dejan Lovren and Joe Allen in the car as well!
posted on 9/8/15
Nooooooooo. Noooooooo. No. No. No No.
Not in a million years for me, he's the opposite of everything we are. Doesn't press the opposition, doesn't run, doesn't work, doesn't get himself into the right positions and consequently - doesn't score!
posted on 9/8/15
Respected
If CR envisages taking Mario on then he's going to have to either sit down with the chap and go through everything beforehand, all his personal problems and whatever or be ruthless from the word go. Has CR got the mettle that's required? I really don't know. It may be what the lad requires.
I don't know how much time BR has spent with him but the prospect of having him at Leicester sounds like a pile of grief in the pipeline.
posted on 9/8/15
If Liverpool paid ALL of his wages and we could use him as a sub, then perhaps, based on his penalty taking, I'd consider it.....
posted on 9/8/15
Absolutely, undoubtedly and 100% no.
Mario Balotelli lives in his own world. He's not malicious, he just exists on a different plane to the rest of us. It'd be interesting to see how he got on with Jermaine Beckford.
Either way, he's unmanageable and we should stay well clear even if he was interested in coming. Which he wouldn't be.
posted on 9/8/15
Surely you couldn't think of a player who epitomises less what Leicester are about
posted on 10/8/15
"Surely you couldn't think of a player who epitomises less what Leicester are about"
Absolutely spot on. Post of the week!