Balotelli Under Pressure as Rodgers Demands More at Liverpool
Mario Balotelli’s return to the Premier League with Liverpool has gotten off to a rocky start. With the club struggling to match the high standards set during the previous season—especially in the wake of Luis Suárez’s departure—the spotlight has intensified on the Italian striker, who has so far failed to deliver the expected impact.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers didn’t mince words when addressing Balotelli’s current form:
“In terms of goals, he has to do better, it’s as simple as that.”
Rodgers also clarified the circumstances behind Balotelli’s arrival late in the summer transfer window.
“I’ve always said it depends on the availability and price of the players. Mario was available at the very end. I said when he arrived that it was a calculated risk. I have to work to make it work for the team.”
So far, that risk has not paid off. With Balotelli struggling to find the net and the team’s form faltering, pressure is mounting on both the player and the coach to turn things around quickly.
