Mancini: Balotelli row overblown
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said his training ground bust-up with striker Mario Balotelli was overblown and has no plans to sell him. He added "Mario is Mario" but that the player needs to change.
Report: Balotelli 'refused Mancini's order' to leave the pitch
Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli is believed to sparked manager Roberto Mancini’s fury by ignoring his order to return to the dressing room following a challenge on team-mate Scott Sinclair, according to The Telegraph.
The newspaper said Balotelli has previously been involved in clashes with Micah Richards and Jerome Boateng on the City training pitch. It added that the incident is likely to harden the club's resolve to sell the striker in the January transfer window.
The two were locked in a heated exchange of words before Mancini grabbed Balotelli and attempted to force him off the pitch. Mario Balotelli then shoved Mancini before the two men were separated by coaches. Mancini was later pictured crouching with his head in his hands.
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Sir Alex: Training ground secrecy is vital
Sir Alex Ferguson says it would never be possible to gain access to Manchester United's training sessions.
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Mancini: Balotelli spat was 'nothing special'
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has played down his latest confrontation with controversial striker Mario Balotelli.
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Balotelli's future in doubt after scrap with manager
Mario Balotelli's Manchester City future is in doubt after he was photographed in a training-ground bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini.