Liverpool flop Mario Balotelli has named a former Reds boss as his "worst" ever coach and the criticised has now responded to the jibe.
Read: Balotelli Reveals His Favourite Worst Coach
The Italian striker, who has been in fine form since joining OGC Nice, had revealed that Brendan Rodgers was his worst ever coach.
Rodgers was in charge when Liverpool bought Balotelli for €20 million (R306 million) in 2014 and insists he could never connect with the controversial striker.
"He was probably absolutely spot on," Rodgers told talkSPORT when told about what Balotelli said about him.
"I just couldn't really connect with Mario.
"He was one that came in very late in the window. It was a gamble taken from a club perspective.
"It was one where, he's a big talent, he'll come in and develop, he's got all the tools.
"In all fairness, I just find it very difficult to connect with Mario.
"On the field, he tried his best. But yeah, it certainly wasn't something that worked out as everyone would like.
"If you sit with him in the office, the guy's a good fella, a good guy," the Celtic manager continued.
"If he could ever match that intensity with his talent, then he'd be one of the best players in the world.
"On the field, it was something that never worked out. That season was difficult for us.
"But now I hope he's got a club, that might be a final chance over in France. But hopefully it can work out for him."
Read: 8 of Balotelli's Biggest Moments Of Madness
Balotelli only made 28 appearances for Liverpool during which he scored just four goals. He was then loaned out to AC Milan before joining Nice on a free transfer.
Do you think Rodgers is to blame for Balotelli's unssuccessful stint at Liverpool? Have your say in the comments section below.
