Mario Balotelli may continue to play for Manchester City, but the manager Roberto Mancini said he must change his attitude in order to stay with the club.
The 21-year-old striker had tested Mancini's patience repeatedly. Recently, the Italian troublemaker was sent off during the club's last game against Arsenal, which resulted in a 1-0 defeat. Balotelli apologized for his misdemeanors, but his boss Mancini demanded change.
"We are happy, but it doesn't change the situation," said Mancini to reporters.
"If he wants to stay, he should change his mind," Mancini affirmed.
Balotelli was transferred from F.C. Internationale Milano to Manchester City in 2010. During his first season in the English Premier League, Balotelli appeared in 17 games and scored 6 goals. This season, he appeared in 22 league games and scored 13 so far.
However, the Italian menace has also stirred a lot of troubles. For instance, he once played with fireworks in his bathroom, setting his house own fire. He was also reported to have thrown darts to the club's youth players as a prank.
"[Balotelli] has a lot of quality but he can lose it with his attitude," Mancini said.
Manchester City has given away its first place standing in the league to Ferguson's Manchester Untied. Mancini must overcome the five-point gap in the next five games in order to claim the league's title.
Last week, Mancini was quoted of complaining that Manchester City has individuals who play for themselves and not a well-balanced team.
"For these reasons we cannot win [the title]. [Manchester United] have the experience, a fantastic team, they have everything," said Mancini.
This season, Mancini also had to deal with Carlos Tevez, who refused the manager's order and even left England for a brief period.
But if the 21-year-old gifted soccer player get his act together, could Manchester City still have a shot at this season's title? Experts have commented that the upcoming Manchester derby scheduled on April 28 would determine the fate.
