• Premier League

Kidd pleads for Balotelli patience

December 31, 2010
Mario Balotelli has tended not to celebrate his goals © PA Photos
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Brian Kidd has pleaded for understanding as Mario Balotelli tries to combat the destructive power of homesickness.

Manager Roberto Mancini has acknowledged Balotelli, 20, does miss his home comforts in Milan, which presumably explains his frequent return journeys, and speculation linking him with a transfer to AC Milan.

After scoring eight times in 11 appearances for City, it is hardly a surprise to discover City are not eager for Balotelli to go anywhere, even if his failure to celebrate goals is driving Mancini to distraction.

Assistant manager Kidd feels there has to be some recognition of Balotelli's plight. "There has to be an empathy towards players," Kidd said. "When they do feel this homesickness you don't brow beat them all the time.

"The players have been very good with Mario too. There is an understanding there. Everyone tends to look at the materialistic side of things but it is never easy."

Contrary to Balotelli's image - a lazy, disaffected young man - Kidd reports a striker who is eager for work and popular in the dressing room. "Mario is working hard in training and all the lads were genuinely pleased for him when he got his hat-trick," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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