Roberto Mancini has told Mario Balotelli to up his game as Manchester City push for silverware this season.
City boss wants improvement from young striker
Roberto Mancini has told Mario Balotelli to up his game as Manchester City push for silverware this season.
The 20-year-old striker boasts an impressive scoring ratio in his first term at Eastlands having knocked in nine goals in 14 appearances, including the opener during Sunday's draw with Fulham.
But Mancini wants to see even more from Balotelli, a £24million signing from Inter Milan, as City's campaign picks up speed.
More
He said: "I expect more because Mario has an incredible attitude to play football. He can play better.
"He scored a fantastic goal on Sunday but after this he should have continued to play for the team. It is important that all the players work in the defensive phase when we lose the ball.
"Sometimes you do not play as well as you can. That's normal, also for Mario. He has come back after two months out and played two games in 10 days.
"But it's important when you are tired and play every three days, that you have the right mentality. That's the same for Mario and for all the players.
"They should understand for us this is a very important moment. This month is a key month for us because this month can change our future."
Balotelli has been linked with a move away from Eastlands in the summer amid reports he is unhappy with life in England, with Inter's fierce rivals AC Milan understood to be interested in his signature.
But the youngster's agent Mino Raiola insists he is not going anywhere at the end of the season, telling
The Sun: "No, that's not going to happen for now.
"A transfer for Balotelli to Milan is not something we're working on. Balotelli will remain at Manchester City at least for one or two more years."
Italian Balotelli could be back in action against Aston Villa in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday night after scoring a hat-trick against the same side in December.
City are also still involved in the Europa League and are outsiders for Premier League success, with silverware on Mancini's radar this season.
The Italian boss has reiterated his desire to end 35 years of hurt and deliver a trophy to Eastlands, insisting it could prompt a snowball effect.
Chance
He said: "We have a big chance of winning something and have two options. If we win one trophy it will lead to more trophies. This is important for our team.
"When I accepted this job I knew it was difficult but it is a big challenge and I believe we can win a trophy."
Mancini believes Villa will pose a sterner test than they did in December and added: "The last two or three weeks they have played better. But for us the FA Cup is important and we want to progress."
