Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers feels signing Mario Balotelli is not a risk
Posted Tuesday, August 26, 2014 by skysports.com
Brendan Rodgers: Happy with the arrival of Balotelli
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists signing Mario Balotelli is not a risk and has also admitted his side need to improve after their 3-1 defeat at Manchester City.
The Reds came into the Monday Night Football clash with City on the back of an unconvincing home victory over Southampton on the opening weekend, and their display at the Etihad was similarly disappointing.
The news of Balotelli's arrival will provide a welcome lift to the Merseysiders and Rodgers believes, despite his past misdemeanours, the enigmatic Italian can be a big hit at Anfield.
"All my life, I have given players an opportunity," Rodgers told Sky Sports.
"He (Balotelli) is 24 years of age, and has become a father now.
"He knows he has responsibility, not only to himself but to this great club.
"We will treat him no differently. He is part of our team.
"The market was very limited as to what we could bring in. The business was very good for us."
Reflecting on the Premier League loss at the Etihad, Rodgers felt the timing of City's opener was crucial, with Liverpool in the ascendancy.
"For the first 40 minutes, I thought we were the better team," Rodgers added.
"But we just switched off at the end of the half. 2-0 was then difficult for us. It killed us a little bit.
"Credit to the players, they kept going. We will get better as we go along.
"We needed to be a bit quicker in our actions, in the final third... a bit more dynamic."
The former Swansea boss also revealed the extent of the late injuries to Glen Johnson and debutant Alberto Moreno.
"Glen looks like he has pulled his thigh. We will assess that tomorrow," Rodgers added.
"Moreno has twisted his ankle on the astroturf."
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