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Balotelli quizzed: Why always you?
Source: Agencies |
December 17, 2011, Saturday
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MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini played down a training ground clash between Mario Balotelli and Micah Richards yesterday but urged the "king" of controversy to keep the volatile side of his character in check.
Balotelli, who wore a T-shirt saying "Why always me?" in October's 6-1 win at Manchester United after a string of on and off-field antics, was in the headlines again as newspapers published photographs of a bust-up with teammate Richards.
"I asked him: 'Why always you?'," Mancini told a news conference. "He said: 'Because he didn't pass the ball to me' but that was a really stupid thing, for nothing, but after 10 minutes it was finished. "It was nothing, nothing special, this happens in every sport sometimes when you play a little match."
City is particularly vulnerable to photographs being taken during practice sessions because its Carrington training facility is next to a public footpath that provides an excellent vantage point.
Balotelli has provided plenty of good photo opportunities since joining the club in August 2010, including clashes with captain Vincent Kompany and former City defender Jerome Boateng.
Mancini said it was only to be expected in an environment where emotions run high and, when asked if he had been involved in similar incidents in his playing days, replied: "Always!
"When you play a football match eight against eight and you put passion in this match sometimes it can happen. Not every week, but often. Mario and Micah are very good friends.
"He is the king for this," he added about his fellow Italian. "I think Mario should pay attention, but not only in this situation."
Mancini also saw the funny side of his striker's apparent magnetism for trouble, giving the player who infamously set fire to his house by letting off fireworks indoors a word of warning ahead of the festive season.
"Now because we are near Christmas and (New Year), it is very dangerous with the fire, it is better if he stays in the hotel," he laughed.
As well as his various escapades, Balotelli has provided plenty of goals and City will be hoping to see more of that side of him when Arsenal visits in the Premier League on Sunday.
City is two points clear at the top of the table with 38 points .
Balotelli, who wore a T-shirt saying "Why always me?" in October's 6-1 win at Manchester United after a string of on and off-field antics, was in the headlines again as newspapers published photographs of a bust-up with teammate Richards.
"I asked him: 'Why always you?'," Mancini told a news conference. "He said: 'Because he didn't pass the ball to me' but that was a really stupid thing, for nothing, but after 10 minutes it was finished. "It was nothing, nothing special, this happens in every sport sometimes when you play a little match."
City is particularly vulnerable to photographs being taken during practice sessions because its Carrington training facility is next to a public footpath that provides an excellent vantage point.
Balotelli has provided plenty of good photo opportunities since joining the club in August 2010, including clashes with captain Vincent Kompany and former City defender Jerome Boateng.
Mancini said it was only to be expected in an environment where emotions run high and, when asked if he had been involved in similar incidents in his playing days, replied: "Always!
"When you play a football match eight against eight and you put passion in this match sometimes it can happen. Not every week, but often. Mario and Micah are very good friends.
"He is the king for this," he added about his fellow Italian. "I think Mario should pay attention, but not only in this situation."
Mancini also saw the funny side of his striker's apparent magnetism for trouble, giving the player who infamously set fire to his house by letting off fireworks indoors a word of warning ahead of the festive season.
"Now because we are near Christmas and (New Year), it is very dangerous with the fire, it is better if he stays in the hotel," he laughed.
As well as his various escapades, Balotelli has provided plenty of goals and City will be hoping to see more of that side of him when Arsenal visits in the Premier League on Sunday.
City is two points clear at the top of the table with 38 points .
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