Mario Balotelli Staying Put: Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers Keeps Faith In Controversial Striker

Recently, Mario Balotelli has been linked to a move back to Inter Milan to reunite with his former Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini. Since his arrival at Liverpool, Balotelli has scored only twice in 15 appearances at the club.

Inter Milan manager Mancini has also not ruled out the switch, with the Italian saying, “It all depends on him (Balotelli).”

However, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will continue to stand by Balotelli, despite the striker not starting a match since early November. Rodgers insists that the thought of selling Balotelli in the January transfer window has not entered his mind.

“It is not something I have even thought about. We have had a lot of games this season in a lot of competitions. At this moment in time, it is key for me to keep the squad together.”

At the moment, Rodgers has shown faith in 20-year-old Raheem Sterling upfront, with Balotelli on the bench as he recuperate from an injury he picked up while away on international duty. Though struggling to adapt Liverpool’s playing style, Balotelli still remains the best option until Daniel Sturridge is back from injury.

Despite his previously publicized problems, Balotelli may find reprieve. With Liverpool currently competing in the League, Europa League, and FA Cup, Rodgers is determined to keep his first-team players.

With a win against Burnley at Turf Moor, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is already assessing his next match-up against Swansea on Sunday.

Speaking at the pre-match press briefing, Rodgers said, “They are all difficult challenges, like you saw yesterday at Burnley. It’s a very difficult game. I know Swansea very well.”

“We had a very good performance against them in the cup earlier on in the season, at home. We know it will be a tough match. But our performance levels have been getting better. The spirit and mentality in the team is still strong. This is a really difficult period of games in a short space of time, so we’ll look to go and put in a performance that hopefully merits the three points.”

Mario Balotelli will be hoping for a call-up into the starting 11 against Swansea, while Rodgers will be hoping for another win to continue the good form going into the new year.

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