Roberto Mancini: I didn’t fight with Balotelli and I won’t sell him

 
4 January 2013

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini today played down his latest confrontation with Mario Balotelli, claiming the pair had not been involved in a training-ground fight.

The Italians were photographed grappling at City’s Carrington training ground yesterday but the manager insisted the matter was not serious.

“I think the photos show the worst of what happened,” he said. “It was nothing special. There was no fight, this was not true.”

The incident occurred after a bad tackle by Balotelli on former Chelsea striker Scott Sinclair and Mancini said: “We were playing a game and Mario kicked his team-mate. I said to him, ‘go inside, leave the pitch’. He said ‘no’ and I took his shirt and pushed him out of the pitch.

“This is what really happened, nothing special.”

Asked if he lost his temper, Mancini said: “No, no. For two seconds, yes — during three or four seconds because he didn’t want to leave the pitch but then it was finished.”

The clash is one of a number of controversies to have involved 22-year-old Balotelli and has fuelled fresh speculation he could be sold.

But Mancini insists his patience has not run out and added: “I will give him another 100 chances if possible, if I think he can change. I am here for this.

“Sometimes I am upset with him but I give him another chance, sure. He is 22 and he can do a mistake.”

Asked if Balotelli would face any disciplinary action, Mancini said: “No, no. This doesn’t change my thoughts. This is something that can happen.

“Usually it is between two players. It is different because I wanted him to leave the pitch after what he did.

“It is not easy to manage him and we can talk about him, but my thoughts about him don’t change.”

Mancini received suppport from his rival manager in Manchester, United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

United’s training ground is close to City’s but, unlike their rivals’, is not open for press and public to watch.

Ferguson said: “Do ICI email Bayer chemicals telling them about their new discoveries?”

Balotelli has not played for City since December 9 and will not return against Watford in the FA Cup tomorrow as he has had a virus.

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