Mario Balotelli: A Challenge for Any Manager
Inter Milan forward Mario Balotelli, one of the world's most promising young footballers, has long seemed likely to leave the Italian champions during the current transfer window.
But a move away from the Serie A has yet to materialize for the 19-year-old, who has been subject to extensive media attention in recent years.
The press is at once in awe of his talent on the pitch and critical of his fiery temperament.
Manchester City, whose coach Roberto Mancini brought Balotelli to Inter Milan when in charge at the San Siro in 2006, is reported to be the club Balotelli will join on his departure.
But Balotelli has now expressed doubts whether his private life would suffer from a move to the Premier League club.
“I don’t like being alone. I can’t imagine being far from my family, in another city,” the forward recently said in an interview with Vanity Fair.
His statements raised doubts over whether feared home sickness would put a stop to his move to City. And there are more question marks surrounding his transfer.
Inter Better Off Without Balotelli?
Inter Milan manager Rafael Benitez, who took over the job from Jose Mourinho this summer following the latter's move to Real Madrid, has said that he does not know whether Balotelli will leave his squad this summer.
With his sublime striking talent, Balotelli would certainly be an asset to Benitez's team. But it's unclear whether his fiery temperament and inconsistent performances would do more harm than good at the club.
During his time at Inter, Mourinho praised Balotelli's footballing abilities, but also warned future managers of his inconsistency on the field.
Two Sides to Balotelli's Game
Balotelli's performance at the 2009 U21 European Championships exemplified the striker's extreme qualities.
In the opening match against Sweden, Balotelli took only 23 minutes to cut inside from the left side of attack and tuck a fierce drive in the right corner from outside the penalty box.
Only fifteen minutes later, the Italian striker tussled with midfielder Pontus Wernbloom, landing a post-challenge lunge on the Swede that warranted a straight red card.
Any manager disposing of Balotelli's immense talent will need to capitalize on his attacking creativity, while at the same time seeking to contain his temperament.
At Manchester City, Mancini will be confident that he can do just that with the striker, who has scored 28 goals in 86 appearances for Inter, where he made his debut in 2007.
City are reported to have prepared an offer of £24 million for Balotelli.
Implored to Heed Elders' Advice
At Inter, Balotelli's Cameroonian teammate Samuel Eto'o has called for his striking partner to stifle his uncontrollable mood before he can realize his full potential.
"[Balotelli] has the potential to go on and be one of the best players in the world, but he must sort some things out in his head," Eto'o said to the Daily Star Sunday.
"The older players at Inter Milan have always tried to advise him. I am not sure how successfully but, if he is to be a success and not waste his career he must listen to the players at Manchester City. This is the chance for a fresh start," said the 29-year-old Eto'o, who appears confident the move will go through.
The unsettled Balotelli is poised to leave his current club. Should he join Manchester City, fans, teammates and coaching staff will be adamant to find the Italian harmonious in his new environment.
If unable to settle in, City's prospective addition could have a hard time justifying the high price tag his undeniable talent has earned him.
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