Yes, I've been as annoyed as everyone about his initial work rate, about his lack of running in behind, his shirt swapping and his apparent attitude. But now I feel guilty for jumping on the Mario bandwagon.......it's now clear that he's being played out of position....he is not what we're asking of him and we're judging him on that to the point of character assassination. Sure he earns big bucks but I for one, would struggle to cope with the amount of derision being thrown at him, it's not good for anyone, regardless of wealth. So while I question whether BR will be able to make him what we want him to be, he'll get my support while BR persists in playing him upfront alone.
well we can judge him on how poor his finishing in front of goal has been. have a point about played out of position or no support with him, but he cant finish, and he has had plenty of chances.
Well said. He actually had a much better game but listening to the completely biased commentary would make you believe a 3 legged rocking horse was more useful. I think it's Gary Birtles? He's a f*cking clueless tosspot. The lad isn't getting any support from his manager who called him a last resort not long ago, and is persistent with playing as a lone striker. The worst thing is that I don't think Rodgers will be given anymore in January - he spent over £100m and got his main targets in i.e Lovren and Lallana. Not sure he will be trusted with anymore. That's not to say he's been amazing for us - he needs to step his game massively but so do the rest of the team.
I won't ever feel sorry for a player I criticise. I criticise and praise them for a reason, I'm always happy to hold my hand up and say someone played well. Also Lucas, Kuyt and Hendo are good examples too. I criticised their performances but maintained faith in them because they were all putting the effort in, I was confident they'd come good because they were willing to work at it. This is not something I can say for Mario Balotelli!!! Playing in or out of position is no excuse for not trying. The only reason a player wouldn't try is because they've made the conscious decision not to! I'm fed up of talking about Mario now though, he's bugged the **** out of me for weeks now so no more. I will try not to speak about his performances again unless he starts to perform better (or really pisses me off )
So is this thread a I can be annoyed either at Rodgers or balotelli but not both? Just let me know cos I'm pretty sure no matter how wrong Rodgers is 9/10 players would try harder
ffs, it's not like anyone else is scoring goals. the whole team is f**in pants, and painful to even watch right now so dire is our football. The blame does not fall on Bad's shoulders alone. Coutino for me of late has been the only one of real quality. Sterling needs a spell out of the team for his own good.
If Rodgers doesn't think much of Borini (think we know he doesn't) and if Lambert is too similar, then why not move Sterling further forward and use him as a striker/forward? Sterling is about as close to Sturridge as we have at the moment.
Exactly. I agree he needs a partner. But I'm sure I've read he's had the most chances at goal in the league, yet he's not scored. We're clinging on to the hope he'll come good with Sturridge next to him. Hopefully he will, but he's had his chances and simply bottles it when most strikers would have scored a hat full by now. There is no getting away from the fact he can't score a ****ing goal to save his life. You could put Suarez next to him and he'd struggle, he's had tap ins ffs and missed every one
Said on Wednesday, all that cack about the shirt-swapping was preposterous. It was a gamble, it doesn't look like it's working out. we're stuck with him in the first team till January at the earliest (please buy Berihino, whatever the cost ffs) and then use him as an impact sub, at best. Absolutely not his fault - he's no more a Rogers type of player than Carroll was. Still more concerned with spending £20m on Markovic, tbh. Again, no point scapegoating, but he doesn't look any better than Borini or Aapas. if indeed that good at all.
I'm inclined to agree. Just not the right man for us, thought he could be and thought £16m might be a steal, but it hasn't worked. Even when Sturridge comes back still don't think Balotelli will fit, he may play better but not as good as we need. Think the problem at the moment is that Balotelli knows its not working, hit confidence and reduces work rate. In Mario's mind I can see him thinking why try when he's most likely to be headed out the door. Not great thinking but this is Balotelli we're talking about. Also agree about Berahino, much more the type of striker we're looking for.
I must admit every time I see him shrug his shoulders and turn his back on the ball sympathy ain't the emotion that comes to mind Our problems aren't all down to him but he sure ain't helping the situation. Woeful defending isn't his fault but missing sitters is, as is his stinking attitude.
theres a cogent point here.... "not as good as we need" this may be applied to many players... is manquillo good enoug.. really? allen? lucas, gerrard now? mingolet? the point must be what do we want... also rans for 4th or t compete at the top. this **** aint good enough. we bought way too many young lads hoping this year and the senior buys have all been poor IMO
