Thursday 17 November 2016 11:01, UK
Brendan Rodgers concedes he never really clicked with Mario Balotelli when the pair where at Liverpool.
The Celtic boss was responding to the Italian international's comments that he "had the biggest disappointment with Rodgers" when the 26-year-old was asked about his former coaches.
Rodgers brought the former Inter Milan and Manchester City player to Anfield in August 2014 in a surprise transfer from AC Milan but the move never worked out and he joined Nice in the summer.
The Northern Irishman, who has made an impressive start to his stewardship at Celtic Park, reflected that the pair had a strained relationship following Balotelli's criticism in an interview.
"He was probably absolutely spot on," Rodgers told talkSPORT. "I just couldn't really connect with Mario.
"He was one that came in very late in the window. It was a gamble taken from a club perspective.
"It was one where, he's a big talent, he'll come in and develop, he's got all the tools. In all fairness, I just find it very difficult to connect with Mario.
"On the field, he tried his best. But yeah, it certainly wasn't something that worked out as everyone would like.
"If you sit with him in the office, the guy's a good fella, a good guy. If he could ever match that intensity with his talent, then he'd be one of the best players in the world.
"On the field, it was something that never worked out. That season was difficult for us.
"But now I hope he's got a club that might be a final chance over in France. But hopefully it can work out for him."
Balotelli has made an impressive start to the season with Nice, scoring six league goals to guide them to the top of Ligue 1.
