Mario, time to say goodbye?

tolmie's hairdoo said:
...

But rationale dictates he will be chased off or will follow Mancini out the door.
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Why would Mancini leave?

Thread is embarrassing. A media witch hunt for a nothing event — watch it in real time and tell me it looks intentional, because you're bonkers if so — and so we just up and give up on a very promising player who's already shown the goods AND has improved his attitude since arriving.

Other Blues on here apparently dislike Mario for whatever reason, but as long as Mancini thinks he is worth keeping around — say, does the OP think Mancini himself is worth keeping around? — he should stay.

Insanity, or would all of you slagging Mario have preferred not to win the Semi, Final, vs. the Rags away, etc?

Maybe the media and refs are predisposed against Mario. But apparently lots of City fans are too. I know which of those two I find more disheartening.
 
nashark said:
How much was he signed for? About £25M? How many times has he performed like a £25M player? I'd say twice - against United at Old Trafford and against Stoke in the final. He had a decent game in the semi-final against United but nothing more than that. He looked better than he was because he was shite in every other game that season. Let's not forget the enormous amount of responsibility he must take for costing us a possible Europa League title. Even against Villa when he scored the hat-trick, he wasn't one of our better players.

He's improved a lot this season, started working harder, started getting on with the game more, but he's still a liability. His shot is his defining quality and a game-changing quality. However, that must be weighed against his idiocy which is equally game-changing, and has cost us much more than he's won us. He's a good player to have on the bench when we can't pass through teams but we all know he won't accept that like a professional.

Now all that's subjective. You might think he's been great every time he's played (I don't), you might think his escapades come before the good of City (I don't), you might think he's very quick (I don't), you might think he works hard (I don't), you might think his first touch and passing are world class (I don't), you might even think he's intelligent (I don't). These are points that can be argued over and over.

What you can't argue is that he has an atrocious disciplinary record and that he's had more fights with his team-mates than any other player. It won't be popular here, but I care more about the rest of the team than Balotelli. I think there's more than enough reasons to believe he's bad for team-spirit. However entertaining you might find the made up stories about him going to the library or whatever, if he's getting sent off and suspended every 6 weeks then he's going to seriously piss off the other players and the manager. I also think there's reason to believe that the other players and the manager care more about the success of City than Balotelli given his disappointment when Inter won one off the biggest games in their history and he started kicking off, and given that he refused to applaud the fans when we beat Newcastle because he was a substitute.

If you think City will be better in the long term if we keep Balotelli and just accept that he's going to cost us every now and again then that's fair enough. But if you think this is all the media's making then you've got your head in the sand. There is a problem and something needs to be done. Hopefully, he'll stop letting us down and come good but I can't see it. For that reason then, if Napoli offered £5M for him, I'd take it in a heartbeat.
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Excellent post, which I am in complete agrement with.
 
I can't believe how quickly those on this forum can turn on their own players, especially at times like these when we should be supporting them 100%. As if the media backlash isn't bad enough..
 
It doesnt have to be one of the two extremes. Some love balotelli and cant see him doing anything wrong. others thinks he's disgrace. For me he's a huge talent who can be as one of the best players in the world. But there's no question he has to improve his temper if he's gonna reach that level. His discipline record since being here is very poor and thats whats holding him back. Now he's gonna miss 4 games for something so unnecessary and thats very annoying. Hopefully he will learn from this and change his attitude
 
Didsbury Dave said:
mcfc1632 said:
I might be open to criticism for not being remotely arsed to read any of this thread - just posting to add my opinion to what (I assume) must be the over-whelming view of CITY fans that this is a spectacularly stupid thread totally missing the opinion of fans

And to start a stupid thread at a stupid time can (IMO) only be attention seeking - wonder if the OP is someone that also moans (rightly) about the press bias - they do not need to get at CITY when we have our own fans doing it
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The only thing "stupid" or "embarrassing" are the people having a go at Tolmie's Hairdoo for asking a totally valid, relevant and interesting question.

I bet any of you that this conversation is had between the board and the manager this week, if it hasn't already. Don't see The Sheikh going "Ah well. He's young. Gotta love Mario" if he loses us the fucking title with a spit or a kick or a grab.

I'd keep him for the moment, but I think the thread is the most relevant issue of today for any City fan with the ability to reason beyond 140 characters.
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Was not having a go at TH - although he nor any other poster should be exempt from points being made.

In fact I did not even look to see who the OP was - It did not matter with regard the point I and I am sure many others are making that this is a stupid thread at a stupid time

Now I can get with you on the good sense in the management / fans considering the individual merits / issues of any and every player - that should and I am sure does happen.

I would welcome this thread being made at a time as we approach the summer and are considering options etc etc - that would make this thread to be thoughtful and valuable in the way you suggest

To start this thread at this time with all the raw feelings abounding renders it stupid in content and particularly in timing

If the intention was to be a catalyst for thoughtful debate to launch it now is simply............ well stupid
 
mcfc1632 said:
Didsbury Dave said:
mcfc1632 said:
I might be open to criticism for not being remotely arsed to read any of this thread - just posting to add my opinion to what (I assume) must be the over-whelming view of CITY fans that this is a spectacularly stupid thread totally missing the opinion of fans

And to start a stupid thread at a stupid time can (IMO) only be attention seeking - wonder if the OP is someone that also moans (rightly) about the press bias - they do not need to get at CITY when we have our own fans doing it
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The only thing "stupid" or "embarrassing" are the people having a go at Tolmie's Hairdoo for asking a totally valid, relevant and interesting question.

I bet any of you that this conversation is had between the board and the manager this week, if it hasn't already. Don't see The Sheikh going "Ah well. He's young. Gotta love Mario" if he loses us the fucking title with a spit or a kick or a grab.

I'd keep him for the moment, but I think the thread is the most relevant issue of today for any City fan with the ability to reason beyond 140 characters.
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Was not having a go at TH - although he nor any other poster should be exempt from points being made.

In fact I did not even look to see who the OP was - It did not matter with regard the point I and I am sure many others are making that this is a stupid thread at a stupid time

Now I can get with you on the good sense in the management / fans considering the individual merits / issues of any and every player - that should and I am sure does happen.

I would welcome this thread being made at a time as we approach the summer and are considering options etc etc - that would make this thread to be thoughtful and valuable in the way you suggest

To start this thread at this time with all the raw feelings abounding renders it stupid in content and particularly in timing

If the intention was to be a catalyst for thoughtful debate to launch it now is simply............ well stupid
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Going off the reaction of some on here it will never be a good time to raise a debate about whether Bal should go or stay.
 
Manchester City’s manager, Mancini, must ensure the survival of the last of the Mohicans. Balotelli is not a disruptive influence in the dressing-room, providing a source of amusement for his eventful life and appreciation of his footballing contributions.

After all the dross that City supporters have endured down the years, nobody should begrudge them a rocket-launching, bib-struggling, tea cosy-wearing, money-scattering, school-inspecting maverick.

Add penalty taking to that list. That nerveless spot kick to defeat Spurs explained why Mancini acts the indulgent father. Balotelli wins games, big ones, and the memory endures of his relentless running helping bring City the FA Cup.

But when letting him off the leash, Mancini must feel like the owner of Fenton the dog, watching in horror as Balotelli storms around some patch of grass, chasing anything that moves.

“Mario, Mario, Jesus Christ, Mario.” Balotelli certainly stormed into Scott Parker, clearly stamping on the Spurs midfielder. If the Football Association beaks fail to impose a four-game ban then they should charge themselves with bringing the game into disrepute. Balotelli could have blinded a fellow professional.

Mancini will persevere because the gains outweigh the pains. Some discussion is required, though. Balotelli must learn that football studs, like fireworks, can do damage if pointed in the wrong direction.

Those who have spent time with Balotelli argue that he is not a bad person, simply one with an almost childlike lack of awareness of actions and consequences. Mancini needs to explain simply to Balotelli that it’s no fun being banned. But stick or twist? Definitely stick.
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r.soleofsalford said:
AustinBlue said:
My vote is that we stick by Balotelli. The other players will say that on the training pitch he has skills that no-one can match. In a game that relies on fine margins of ability to tip the balance between winning and losing, Mario is one of the few who can rise to that level.

You ask United fans if they are glad Cantona played for them. He was the tipping point for them, and his character was WAY more questionable. A history of on field violence, and off field shenanigans that included sleeping with the Leeds WAGS.
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are you glad you had cantona
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Are you calling me a rag, twinkle toes? I still have the photos of you from Wealdstone Football Club on FA Cup day. Don't make me post them.
 
Those wanting Mario to leave are not thinking it through. What happens if we want to sign a young superstar who may have a few issues. They are not going to come here if they are going to be hounded by a one sided press/media circus.
Take the punishment, although I think it is a witchhunt and move on.
Support Mario through this and work with him to deal with his issues.
Getting sick and tired of games being re reffed by media whores.
 
not a fucking chance i want him to go.

not a chance in fucking hell. he's innocent and will do great things at city.

some of you need to take a look at yourselves and realise what you are saying, do not listen to the media, only believe in MCFC and mario is part of MCFC.
 
The media frenzy about Mario continues unabated.Things I find Strange.1)That fine upstanding chap Mr Redknap states"He cut Parkers head"Two medics came on to the field of play neither paid any attention to "A cut".The nearest player Modric makes NO complaint or points to a "Cut".If it were the other way about, and say Ledley King had kicked Silva and "Cut" Silva's head do you think City players would be laughing and joking with King a minute later,Watch the play-back, notice Kaboul laughing and joking with Mario.Mario twice comes into contact with Parker whilst back-to back with Parker,add Modric's push in the back and then say Mario did it deliberate.Lets deal with 'Appy Arry and the games last 10 minutes.Seen his team come back from two nil down,miss an absolute sitter to give them victory.City gain a penalty because Ledley "Bad Knees" King can't turn as fast as Balo.'Arry is distraught,his team blew it,Who can 'Arry blame.Think of Fergy,Think of Wenger they never blame their team its always something else to take the blame from their teams frailties.Balo step forward your going to be hung out to dry.Numerous TV cameras,Dozens of camera men not one snap says guilty.But we have the London media who have been praising Spurs all week taking 'Arry's word.Anyone seen a photo of the world famous cut,anyone seen a still photo of head touching boot,No.I ask you to take my word that a 12/13 stone player stamping on someones head will bleed torrents as does any head wound.This "Cut" should have meant Parker needed a shirt change,didn't happen.So no actual proof,A picture of Rooney elbowing a Wigan player seen by the official is considered fair play.Balo's boot could have missed Parkers head by 12 inches no picture proves otherwise.The "wise men" in the press box were on the opposite side to the incident none of them saw a boot/head contact,they just presume so cause 'Arry says so.End of rant. Man City at the swamp first goal Balo raises his shirt for the message "Why always me".Fast forward to the Emirates Arsenal v United,Van Persie scores a goal raises his shirt wishing someone Happy Birthday,nothing contentious on either shirt,only one player gets booked,WHY!
 
Can't be arsed trawling through 37 pages of posts!

My own opininion is that Mancini has to sort him out or let him go - simple!

I think he should put an arm around him, take him to one side and give him the full Italian verbal. We can't keep getting dicked through his idiocy, but we just love it when he comes off - like on Sunday. Forget the ban, he won us three precious points from one of our major Title rivals - well worth a couple of games out. He could have turned his ankle, trying to avoid stamping on Parker, and he would probably then have been out for the same length of time!

Please, please RM deal with this problem before it gets out of control!
 
BillyShears said:
cleavers said:
Nobody has mentioned this - but he spat in the direction of the ref during the Liverpool cup match the other week. It was disgusting, unnecessary, and on another day he could've been done for that too.

I can understand the desire to defend him because he's a blue - but lets not pretend that he's some persecuted misunderstood innocent. He isn't.
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I saw this and thought exactly the same he was a lucky boy on this occasion.

The guy has the potential to (a) win the Premiership for us and simultaneously (b) de-rail our chances of winning the Premiership.

This is the conundrum that is Mario Balotelli, a target for fans, referees and opposition alike.

For me the question is when will Bobby's patience finally run out?
 
The lad has exceptional talent,but is a liability,we all know that.It's either sort him out,or ship him out.We need every single player at the club to be at the top of their game from now until the last game of the season.
 
Mario hasnt helped himself and im sure we all agree (he may also) that he as let us down on a couple of occassions now.

Before we start to question if we can keep him on the straight and narrow, just imagine the sceniro of Mario stepping up to score the penalty infront of the rags at the Etihad which seals the title for us....

How the media darlings would love that as he spreads his arms infront of them !

As for the media, papers, SSN, talkshite etc etc. take no fucking notice of any of it, im sure Bobby doesnt, all the rags at work, Mario this, Mario that...remind them of the wonderful antics of that pikey Keane and Cuntona.

Marios ours, we love him, he drops a few bollocks here and there but dont we all, once the penny drops he will be by far the second best striker in the Prem (behind Sergio of course;)

We need to protect him from himself for the time being and the legend in the making that is Mario Balotelli will soon, pay us back.

CTID
 
As a personality he's great and as a striker he gives us something that Dzeko and Aguero don't. But how many chances do you give him? If either Dzeko or Aguero get injured in the next couple of weeks we're fucked - all for an unecessary bit of petulance on Sunday. I thought he was becoming a liability last season when he was sent off in the EL game and I was hoping his attitude had improved this season. However the disciplinary problems keep occuring, his attitude stinks and he can't be relied on. I would do 3 things:

1. Buy 1 new proven striker - CL quality
2. I would internally punish Balotelli for Sunday
3. I would use him 3rd choice striker unless he can show a dramatic change in temperament - if he doesnt like it he can go

I doubt we will get another striker until the summer anyway - thanks to Carlos the jackass - so he has until the summer to prove his worth in my book
 
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