Mancini - I would punch Mario

Mancini - I would punch Mario

Roberto Mancini: Manchester City manager admits Mario Balotelli can be a frustrating figure

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has admitted he would want to punch Mario Balotelli every day if he was a team-mate of the Italian forward.

Live on Sky Sports

• vs

• Arsenal v Man City

• April 8, 2012 3:30pm
• 

• Remote Record

Mancini has voiced his frustration with the mercurial Italy international, who continues to command headlines for his actions on and off the field, on numerous occasions this season.

Balotelli has been involved in a number of training ground bust-ups, while Yaya Toure moved to dismiss claims he had a dressing room spat with the former Inter Milan man.

The City boss remains determined to get the best out of the controversial 21-year-old - who walked away unhurt from a car crash on Thursday - but admits he could see why others might be weary of him.

Psychologist

"I told him, 'If you played with me, 10 years ago, I give to you every day one punch in your head!' "
Roberto ManciniQuotes of the week

Mancini said: "I can understand it. I told him, 'If you played with me, 10 years ago, I give to you every day one punch in your head !'

"I think in every big game he played very well. I think his problem is his concentration but I work with him every day.

"I speak with him - not every day because if not I need a psychologist - but every two days I speak with him. He doesn't lose his quality.

"Mario, as a player, can be one of the top in Europe. I don't want him to lose his talent."