Mario is coming on leaps and bounds every time he plays and is really showing us what he can do. I have always defended Mario, he is just immature for his age and is just a big kid that likes to have a laugh and enjoy life but I really feel the penny has dropped and he now in my opinion is trying to for fill his potential.
To the threads question, I do not believe Mancini has a "soft spot" for Mario he simple has realised what us city fans have done, Mario is one of the gifted of his generation and when he matures off the field and in his head he will be one of the best in the world, Mourinho tried to be totally authoritarian and no arm round the shoulder and failed miserably, not saying Mancini is soft on him.. because he isn't he just fines the fine balance with him when to discipline him and when to put an arm round him and he does it well.