• Premier League

Mancini defends Balotelli attitude

ESPN staff
November 9, 2010
Mancini plays down derby

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has defended Mario Balotelli after his red card against West Brom.

Balotelli, 20, scored on his City debut in the Europa League in August and, having made his return from injury last month, he scored his first Premier League goals as City won 2-0 at The Hawthorns on Sunday.

The game ended in disappointment for Balotelli, though, as he was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Youssuf Mulumbu.

However, asked if he was concerned about Balotelli's attitude, he said: "Mario is a young guy, a top player. Sometimes he can make a mistake. That is normal. In the last game the punishment was too severe. I hope he can improve in all ways. When you are a young guy you must improve day by day. That is important."

Balotelli will be unavailable for the Manchester derby as a result of the suspension, while Emmanuel Adebayor is doubtful, which could mean Carlos Tevez - who has recovered from his thigh injury - is the only fit striker in Mancini's squad.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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