Mancini spells it out to bad-boy

Posted Thursday, February 16, 2012 by The Sun

ROBERTO MANCINI has ordered Mario Balotelli to behave himself for the rest of the season.

Manchester City's bad boy faces another test of his suspect temperament as Cuneyt Cakir takes charge of the clash with Porto.

The Turkish ref gave the Italian ace a red card against Dynamo Kiev in this competition in March last year.

And Mancini has told the ex-Inter Milan striker, who returns from his latest ban, he wants him available for the crucial final third of the season.

The City boss said: "I spoke to Mario two weeks ago. I said 'Please, we have 13 games to play in the Premier League plus Europa League matches'.

"I said to him 'Try to have good behaviour on the pitch and think only about football.' Mario is an important player for us, he has good quality.

"I think if his head will be OK in the next two months, he will be an important player for us."

Balotelli, 21, has picked up 17 yellow cards in 49 games for City as well as three reds and the retrospective four-match ban for his stamp on Scott Parker.

However his return is vital for City with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko hitting relatively lean spells.

It also means there is no need for Mancini to rush Carlos Tevez back into action — if indeed he ever uses him again.

He added: "Now we'll have three strikers. I think that's a good thing for me and for this game. It's difficult to find a good definition for him.

"We know Mario is a fantastic player. He's young, sometimes he will make some mistakes.

"But for this reason if he can keep his composure for the next few months, he will be an important player for us, "If we want to get to the final of the Europa League or win the Premier League, it's important to have all players.

"We need all the players ready and available for all games. Mario is one of them."

Mancini also welcomes back the Toure brothers who have teamed up with the squad after almost six weeks of African Nations Cup duty. He will take a decision today on whether to involve the pair after admitting they are tired after helping Ivory Coast to the final.

After slipping out of the Champions League, Mancini believes City could not have been handed a tougher tie.

The Portuguese club are the holders and have lost only once in 18 months in their own league.

Mancini said: "I think they are one of the best teams in Europe. And this is one of the big games at this stage.

"They are a top team who have played in the Champions League. I've met Porto many times in Europe and it's very difficult to play here.

"At home they are very strong and last year won the title, so it will be very hard.

"But I think it will be a very good game. Last time I was here was with Inter. We drew here and won at the San Siro so I'm hoping for the same result this time.

"But it will be difficult — they have good quality players. They are very strong with quick wingers and they defend very well."