The hug

[Arjan Van Schotte]

When questions after the Game, the interviewer said the Mancini, Why Balotelli and not Tevez, he just shrugged his shoulders as he had no answer. He then went on about Balo being banned for Munich in the week and that he has trained very hard in the last 5-6 weeks and deserved it.

all of that is true, and i can understand the decision. wouldn't be entirely surprised to see carlos starting on tuesday.

but i still say that balotelli is a luxury, that we can afford. but he's like a pink lacoste polo shirt. should be put on ebay, despite the fact it's class - it'll continue to be a subject of public derision that could easily be replaced. and some other fuckwit will pay a handsome fee for it.

[Patrick]

The eccentricity that is balotelli could be the difference between a great player and a legend

All he needs to do now is prove he is a great player

[CTID Hants]

Given the way the blue Scouse were kicking lumps out of us, it was a huge decision by BobbyManc to bring Balo on, not sure if it was a gamble or Bobby has genuinely seen a change in his attitude? I would like to think the latter applies, time will tell though? But the hug makes me think he really learning from BobbyManc. Delighted with the win against them, we appear to be dispatching our bogie teams.

[aaron bond]

Like every City fan (I think), I worry about Balotelli and think he won't deliver when we're up against it.

But if we look back on last season, in the FA Cup semi-final, he played up front alone and was excellent. Then in the final he was man of the match.

He has got the ability and can deliver when it matters. Today he was superb and was the difference between a draw and 3 points. His goal was a finish of the highest quality and the celebration was fantastic. He genuinely seemed over the moon and I hope we get to see that more often.

He does have the raw talent. If he can get his temperament right then we'll have an excellent player on our hands.

[zuricity]

I'm not worried about balo at all. The kid is brilliant. He has a great mentor in Bobby manc

[carl_feedthegoat]

I'm not worried about balo at all. The kid is brilliant. He has a great mentor in Bobby manc

The kid is far from being brilliant at passing the ball.....this is imo the worst part of his game...today he threw his arms up in annoyance at his fucking "Short" pass to Milner I think it was...Like it was Milners fault he didnt get there !!!!

[Florida Blue]

I'm not worried about balo at all. The kid is brilliant. He has a great mentor in Bobby manc

The kid is far from being brilliant at passing the ball.....this is imo the worst part of his game...today he threw his arms up in annoyance at his fucking "Short" pass to Milner I think it was...Like it was Milners fault he didnt get there !!!!

Did you see the pass he made to the barely offsides Silva? The skill is there, the touch is not always there, but at 20, I am not too worried about it being more consistent.

[Pretty Boy Lee]

What a celebration. To me I think he knew every man and his dog expected Tevez to come on and maybe the penny dropped that only Bobby has shown faith in him over everyone else.


Either that or like us he really fucking hates Everton.

[johnny crossan]

[Douglas Higginbottom]

I'm not worried about balo at all. The kid is brilliant. He has a great mentor in Bobby manc

The kid is far from being brilliant at passing the ball.....this is imo the worst part of his game...today he threw his arms up in annoyance at his fucking "Short" pass to Milner I think it was...Like it was Milners fault he didnt get there !!!!

Did you see the pass he made to the barely offsides Silva? The skill is there, the touch is not always there, but at 20, I am not too worried about it being more consistent.

Hmmm more like a miss hit shot I would have said but he did really well when he came on today.

[halnone]

Hopefully Balotelli can keep improving.
Was really impressed with him today.

[john@staustell]

Totally ruined his image.

[Bridge'srightfoot]

For the system we play, If we're gonna ignore Tevez, then Balo would be a better choice than Edin. Whether he has the right work ethic and attitude still remains to be seen however.

[carl_feedthegoat]

For the system we play, If we're gonna ignore Tevez, then Balo would be a better choice than Edin. Whether he has the right work ethic and attitude still remains to be seen however.

Based on what ?

Meanwhile Dzeko is one of the Prems top scorers and has more experience playing against Bayern than any other forward at our club.......so..back to your post....based on what ?

[Bridge'srightfoot]

For the system we play, If we're gonna ignore Tevez, then Balo would be a better choice than Edin. Whether he has the right work ethic and attitude still remains to be seen however.

Based on what ?

Meanwhile Dzeko is one of the Prems top scorers and has more experience playing against Bayern than any other forward at our club.......so..back to your post....based on what ?

Because I honestly believe Balo has the potential to be a greater player. His control, touch and movement are brilliant at times. And yesterday for the first time he showed he can be a game changer.

Yes Dzeko's the top scorer and was brilliant in the first three games but there are still times when his lack of a first touch and awareness are annoying to watch.

[Beefymcfc]

Come on, own up, which of you wanted to be in Mancini's shoes right then?

[Slim]

Come on, own up, which of you wanted to be in Mancini's shoes right then?

I believe FM2012 comes out on the 23rd October.

[Beefymcfc]

Come on, own up, which of you wanted to be in Mancini's shoes right then?

I believe FM2012 comes out on the 23rd October.

Can't belive I've not ordered it. Best get my ZX sorted as well.

[southaustralianblue]

There is no manager in the world that can handle balo like bobby

[Avalon]

I agree with that, especially considering Balo considers Mancini as a father figure to him.