Manchester City’s Super Mario In The Spotlight
Mario Barwuah Balotelli, that’s Balotelli to you and I. He’s only 20, but already he has made the headlines countless of times. Whether it’s disciplinary problems because of his love-hate relationship with Jose Mourinho, or throwing darts off team mates, Balotelli is always on the look out for the attention he thinks he deserves.
The incident, against LA Galaxy was no different. Balotelli was clean through, but what got Mancini fuming was Balotelli’s inability to finish off, what looked liked, an easy chance. Instead of generating as much power as he could have, or finessing the ball in one of the corners, Balotelli attempted an audacious back heel goal, which subsequently left Manchester City fans booing him, and his team-mates remonstrating with him, as he was substituted straight after that. Balotelli argued with Mancini, the latter was having none of that.
There was a clear sign of intent by Mancini. Despite it being a friendly, he wants every player to take things seriously, treat the game like a Premier League one. After all, who can blame him? Manchester City are trying to increase their fan base, they are trying to compete for the league next season. The last thing any manager would want, is a player, who’s arrogant – on a different level – missing a chance to score, an easy chance as well, one that Balotelli could have tucked away.
Last Summer, Balotelli signed for £25 million from Inter Milan. Mancini obviously knew what he was in for, but I don’t think anybody expected Balotelli to pick up 11 yellow cards and 2 red cards. The pro side is that he managed to notch up 10 goals in 28 appearances. And, he led the line well against Manchester City’s arch enemies, Manchester United. The talent is there for everyone to see, it’s about management skills which essentially can make or break Balotelli’s career.
However, on another side to this issue, should football always be serious? It’s a friendly, it isn’t a competitive league game, a pre-season meet and greet not a battle royale. Balotelli had as much right going for the audacious back hell as Ronaldo has when he attempts a step over, or when he passes the ball to a team mate with his back.
Had it the ball found the back in the net, I can safely guarantee you that we would all be in awe, the goal on YouTube would have over 8 million hits, and Balotelli would have increased his popularity with the world, and more importantly increased his popularity with Manchester City fans. Well, Theyab Awana’s exquisitely taken penalty last week, against Lebanon, was enough to see his video on YouTube become an instant hit, with over 8 million views.
It’s amazing how small things can change the way of things. I wonder, had Ronaldo or Messi attempted the back heel, would they have been subtituted? It’s very unlikely to see both players even attempting the trick, but it does make you think. It’s very unfair to see Balotelli getting abused, but that’s the way things are in football these days.
