• Premier League

Mancini unconcerned by 'unhappy' Balotelli

ESPN staff
February 21, 2011
Mario Balotelli returned to action against Notts County © PA Photos
Enlarge

Roberto Mancini has played down Mario Balotelli's show of petulance after being substituted in the 5-0 FA Cup win against Notts County on Sunday.

Balotelli, who failed to impress in his first start since December following injury, hurled his snood to the floor after being substituted on the hour.

The Italy striker had just been involved in a sickening collision with County defender Krystian Pearce - but Mancini insists the decision to withdraw Balotelli was taken pre-match.

"We decided before the game to replace him after an hour," he said. "It's his first start after injury and he had a clash of heads. He was unhappy but I will explain to him in a couple of days.

"It's not a problem. We want him fit for the next two months as we have a lot of games. He played well and didn't have any problems with his knee.

"We want to ease Mario back into action. He knew he would not play the full game. Sometimes in training when he misses a chance he holds his knee and then when he scores he doesn't!"

City will play Aston Villa at Eastlands in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices