Roberto Mancini & Mario Balotelli 'bust-up' photos
- Published
Roberto Mancini and Mario Balotelli appear to have been involved in a bust-up during training on Thursday
The incident is reported to have been sparked by Balotelli's late tackle on Scott Sinclair (not pictured)
Mancini and Balotelli appear to exchange words. Mancini signed the striker from Inter Milan for £24m in 2010
In March 2012, Mancini said of Balotelli: "No, I don't trust Mario. No-one trusts Mario"
Mancini, however, has always spoken of his belief in Balotelli, saying in April 2012: "It's like a family when a child does stupid things. The affection of the parents is still there. He's young and he commits big mistakes that can put the team in difficulty"
The 48-year-old recently admitted he would have been frustrated with Balotelli if the two had played together. "I told him, if you played with me 10 years ago I would give you every day maybe one punch in your head. If Mario is not one of the best players in the world it will be his fault, because he has everything"
Mancini has always spoken of his belief that Balotelli can become a top star. "He has everything to be one of the best players in the world," he said in November 2012
Mancini appeared to grab Balotelli's bib during the bust-up
Mancini's fellow coaches Brian Kidd and Massimo Battara try to separate the pair
Kidd and Battara continue to try to calm down the situation
Balotelli is pulled away by Battara while Kidd keeps Mancini away from the striker
It appears both Balotelli and Mancini were upset following the confrontation
Mancini has been manager at Manchester City since December 2009
He led the current Premier League champions to their first trophy since 1976 when the Blues won the FA Cup in 2011
Mancini appears incredibly frustrated following the training ground bust-up, and is likely to be interviewed by the media on Friday morning. Follow all the action in Sportsday Live
- Published3 January 2013
- Published3 January 2013
