Balotelli Gets Another Chance

Following Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini’s little tussle in training on Thursday, it was left for the Manchester City boss to clear things up in his Friday's press conference.

He said: "We were playing a game and Mario kicked his team-mate. I told him to leave the pitch, he said 'no', and I took his shirt and pushed him from the pitch. That is what really happened - nothing special, no fight.

"These are things that can happen, usually between players. This was different because I wanted him to leave the pitch for what he did against another player."

On Balotelli leaving Manchester in the January transfer window Mancini said: "No, no, no, no. This is not important - it doesn't change my thoughts on him.

"I will give him another 100 chances if possible, if I think he can change. I am here for this. Sometimes I am upset with him, but I give him another chance, sure. He is 22 and he can make a mistake."

Blimey, if Mancini gives Balo another 100 chances then what does he have to do before the City boss washes his hands of his fellow Italian? There are people behind bars for less.

Mancini is known for given players second chances, following a little stint at home in Argentina Carlos Tevez came back to the club, apologised and galvanized City in to title winning form at the back end of last season.

Sam Jewell

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