Is He Really “SuperMario?”
Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho has come out publicly criticising his striker Mario Balotelli. Fed up with the player’s arrogance, Inter’s Head Coach has decided enough is enough. If Balotelli wants to live up to his potential, he has to change.
At just 18 years of age, Palermo born Balotelli is already talked about as being one of the biggest up and coming talents in football. This season, the player they nick-named “SuperMario” has been used largely as a bit part player and has found his chances under the guidance of Jose Mourinho limited. In 13 Serie A games he has either started and been substituted or come on as a replacement.
Mourinho himself has made his feelings about Balotelli clear. He is unhappy with the youngsters attitude, even in training where he should be doing all he can to show the manager he is worthy of a first team position he has failed to impress;
“Nothing has changed. Neither the way Balotelli works nor his attitude.”
He added that his effort in training was 25%. If he was at 50% he would be one of the best players in the world.
It wasn’t just in training that Balotelli was letting himself down. Mourinho told the press that the atmosphere he creates around the squad is negative;
“I don’t like what he is currently bringing to the team and the way he works during the week. It’s not the right attitude for a young player who needs to arrive… He lacks concentration and motivations. He must change. Continuing like this in this team he will lose opportunities.”
It seems fair to assume that the young Italian thinks more highly of himself than he has reason to.
Rarely in professional football do you see a manager blast their own players so openly but perhaps Mourinho feels this is his last option, what he has to do in order to spark a reaction out of Balotelli. On the other hand, such comments could spell the end for Balotelli at Inter Milan. Chelsea, Fiorentina, Arsenal and Liverpool are all interested in the talents of the youngster but should the player move on, the transfer that looks the most likely is Sampdoria, whose midfielder Palombo is wanted by Mourinho.
The signs for Balotelli are worrying. If he cannot perform for a manager like Mourinho, a man who has proven himself in the game, then you would have to wonder who he would change his attitude for. It is a certainty that there is not a manager who would put up with such behaviour.
Barwuah wants more!
Inter sensation Mario Balotelli is treading on thin ice after asking for a huge pay rise.
The 17-year-old broke into the first team this year with considerable aplomb, scoring three goals in 11 appearances.
Balotelli, an explosive striker of Ghanaian descent, earns £480,000 a season and is deemed central to Inter’s future.
His current deal runs out in 2010, but Balotelli believes he has proved his worth and deserves to be among the top earners at Via Durini.
The youngster’s representatives met with Inter directors this week and demanded a new contract of around £3.2m per annum.
The Nerazzurri believe the request to be a trifle excessive and will meet Balotelli’s agent again in the near future to resolve the situation.
Born in Palermo and adopted by a family in Brescia, Balotelli has spent his entire career with the Nerazzurri, working his way up through Inter’s youth ranks.
Meanwhile, Inter are believed to be close to signing Genoa’s versatile Frenchman Abdoulay Konko.
Coach Roberto Mancini wanted the former Juventus player in January, but had to settle with Maniche instead.
The 24-year-old can play in defence or midfield and made more appearances than any other Genoa player this season.
Inter will meet with officials from the Grifone on Monday to discuss Konko’s departure. (C4)
Crespo: No problems with Mario Balotelli
Hernan Crespo has no grudge against young Inter teammate Mario Balotelli.
“All that counts is that Inter do well. At this moment in time it doesn�t matter if a 17-year-old or a 40-year-old is leading the line, as long as we achieve our objectives.
“Clearly I would love to play and take centre stage, but I think the personal aspect has to be put to one side.” (tf)
Mihajlovic: Super Mario all-time great
Inter Milan No2 Sinisa Mihajlovic says Mario Balotelli has the potential be an “all-time great”.
“Last year when he came with the senior team for pre-season training you could see straight away what he was made of,” Mihajlovic told Sky Italia television.
“If he carries on improving like this, day after day, he could become one of the all-time greats. I always tell him to relax, as he mustn’t be afraid of anyone or anything.” (tf)
Confident staying grounded
Inter Milan superkid Mario Balotelli is confident he will stay grounded, despite the hype swirling around him.
The 17 year-old said: “I know there are true friends and people who are only worried about me when I am doing well. The popularity is beautiful but it wouldn’t mean a lot without my family and friends.”
Asked about the influence of the coaches at Inter, Balotelli added: “The advice from Roberto Mancini and Sinisa Mihajlovic is fundamental to grow, but I try to learn something from the players and all the attackers playing at Inter.” (tf)
