Over the past year or so there have been plenty of examples of City boss Roberto Mancini backtracking and going against his word. Whether or not City could win the title and the non-existent future of Carlos Tevez are just two recent examples from the previous season. Despite the ongoing European Championships and the fact the majority of players are currently on holiday, Mancini’s already had his first wobble of the season over another player’s future at the club.
Following his sending off in the defeat against Arsenal last season, the defeat that many felt at the time would see United clinch the title, Mancini said that Italian striker Mario Balotelli would never play for City again. “I hope, for him, he can understand that he’s in a bad way for his future. And he can change his behaviour in the future. But I’m finished. We have six games left and he will not play” said Mancini, adding he’ll “probably” seek to sell him.
Of course, Mancini quickly went back on his word by throwing on Balotelli during the last game of the season; but his latest comments suggest further hypocrisy. Speaking about Italy’s win over England, Mancini needlessly commented that he felt Balotelli had more of an impact than Wayne Rooney, but also went on to say “Super Mario did much better, and he’s a great striker that we must support all the way.”
It’s embarrassing for a manager to call one of his players ‘Super Mario,’ but the way Mancini’s stance has changed once again is amusing – when’s it going to stop? Balotelli’s gone from a player who he was looking to sell to a player who he wants to “support all the way.” Equally his attempt to aggravate and annoy Rooney is an interesting one, especially when it’s likely to have such little affect at this time of the year. Why should his performances for England have any relevance to Manchester United?
One of the major factors behind Sir Alex’s successful reign has been his ability to avenge enemies and people who criticise his teams, so from our point of view we can only hope that Mancini continues his childish games just to spur us on. The way Sir Alex spoke about how we’ll have to give Sunderland a proper beating next season for cheering when we lost the league is a great example. Aside from his games, perhaps it’s worth creating a category on here just for examples of Mancini’s backtracking for a bit of fun?
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