Ibra Backing For Balotelli
03 January 2013
Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Mario Balotelli could still yet play a key role in Manchester City's title defence.
The duo were Inter Milan teammates from 2007-2009, with Ibrahimovic full of respect for the Italian, who has netted a modest three goals in 15 outings this season.
"If you ever spend any time with Mario then you love Mario," Ibrahimovic told the Daily Mail.
"Even though he is not always the easiest player for the coach to manage, speak to any of his old coaches like Jose [Mourinho] and they will tell you when you work with Mario you always have a smile on your face.
"He is a special player and a special talent. When Mario plays like he can he will hurt any team in the world.
"Manchester City are already a way behind Manchester United in the Premier League – but if any player can retain the title for them it is Mario.
"All the class that Manchester City have I would still say Mario is the most capable."
The Swede added that Balotelli needs to feel appreciated to hit top form.
"I tried to help Mario because it is true he does sometimes make decisions in the moment – but that is his personality," said the former Barcelona hitman.
"Roberto will know the same as me that the way to get the best out of Mario is to love him.
"That is what he will react best to – and if they can get Mario playing at his best then Manchester City still have a big chance."
City trail Premier League leaders Manchester United by seven points after 21 games.
comments
They don't call him Super Mario for nothing!
Submitted by: Njiva4lyf571
Date: 04 January 2013, Time: 05:54:00
Mr Editor is very slow,so hz gonna put dis story 2moro wen dis happened today in de mng,Balotelli mus be released frm his contract,dats de only solution City mus do,how can he hold his manager like dat???
Submitted by: Ibhova
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 23:11:18
Ayi guys I 1st thought u were playing with our drunkard editor we seriously need 2 do something... Editor Mancini is dying wake up plz
Submitted by: terrorsquad
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 22:22:23
Ja, I also saw the Mario pics. Apparently Mario made a dangerous tackle on Sinclair and when Mancini tried to talk to him about it things got heated. I wonder if Ibra still thinks Mario brings a smile to every coach's face.
Submitted by: Mandridster_United
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 22:09:29
super mario!!!
Submitted by: anti-gordon
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 21:03:10
Balotteli seriously muured mancini come on editor go investigate and come back inform us maan
Submitted by: Simelane90sifiso
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 20:46:17
Jus saw de pictures of Super Mario takin on Mancini @ SkySports News,this tym around I think he hv gone too far,if Tevez was banned n fined for refusiin to warm up den Balotelli mus be released from his contract seriously,dis Balotelli guy is sumthin else!!!
Submitted by: Ibhova
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 18:22:16
Mario en Mancini news wil appear on 2mr's article @ 10:00am. Our editor needs extra holidays he is still 100% drunk, dats why he is too slowly
Submitted by: Maluti
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 18:07:43
@mandridster_united lol dats nt sumthn 2 tl u own peers-bt aparently baloteli has jst dne m0r dn tokn...as felow blogers sae,he was involvd in a bust up wth mancini nd aparently lft da training ground bt briefly stpd at da gate 2 mk tym 2 sign autographs 4 adoring fans.-...why alwaes hm.
Submitted by: LEEROY246
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 18:04:56
soccer LADUMA PLS GIVE PEOPLE BREAKING NEWS LIKE THE BUST UP BETWEEN MARIO N MANCINI. YOU GUYS ARE POOR DAMN
Submitted by: Escoba4
Date: 03 January 2013, Time: 17:39:29