City fans: Mario needs to change

The Blues crashed out of the Europa League last night after the Italian was sent off for a reckless challenge during the first half of their second leg tie at home to Dynamo Kiev. 

The tackle prompted teammate Nigel de Jong to question 20-year-old Balotelli's mentality and call for him to change if he wanted to reach his potential.

This view was today echoed by City fans who labelled him a "liability."

“He won’t make it at City unless he gets his head sorted out,” said Tommy Muir, 57, of the MCFC Supporters Club, Cheadle Branch.

“It’s a psychiatrist he needs to see, not a football coach. Some of the things he does, you see a flash of brilliance but there’s no consistency."

Mr Muir added: “It’s really annoying. I was in Kiev last week, you spend all that money and it get’s ruined by a moment of stupidity.” 

Balotelli was signed for £22.5m by manager and countryman Roberto Mancini last summer. The pair had worked together before at Inter Milan before Mancini headed for Eastlands.

Mancini swooped for the fiery star when he fell out with Jose Mourinho at Inter.

John Joyce, 51, of Mid Sussex Blues, said: “You don’t write someone off at 20. It’s clear he’s had a troubled background.

“He’s obviously got behavioural issues which can cost the team dear, but he’s still very young.”

Mr Joyce also backed Mancini's handling of Balotelli.

“The manager has spoken out against him, is seemingly very angry and he’s hinted that he won’t be even be in contention against Chelsea at the weekend," he said.

"But you do have to be firm with a player like that. He’s going to be an absolutely great player and as a City fan I hope it will be with us. You can see that in the fantastic goals he’s already scored.” he said. 

City travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday to face Chelsea in a vital encounter to secure qualification for next season’s Champions League and have been pitted against city rivals, United in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.