The Mario Balotelli thread

The 'lazy' argument is false - Mario is not lazy.

And Lambert cannot do what Mario does. Nowhere near.

I think you do have a point, but I think it's more a case that Sturridge needs a partner to help occupy defenders and create space.

 

No he didn't, he said that Henderson was the nominated taker on the night and the choice of whether he passed it over to Balotelli was his.

 

"There has been a lot more drama made about it from you (the media) than us. It's very clear who the penalty takers are. When Steven plays he is number one. With the players on at the start of the game Jordan was nominated penalty taker. But if Jordan, Steven and Mario are on the pitch at the same time then we normally have Steven or Mario take penalties."

 

I actually went back and edited that out before you posted I do think Lambert could be given a bit more time as well especially as he and Lallana were an established pairing.

And I think Balotelli does has a lazy approach/demeanour ?? But picking players on how well they've done in training doesn't always translate into an actual game as we all know.

 

Haha - good work Astro

I do enjoy it when you put Tobes back in his place

 

so bascially the luckiest man alive is scrambling to shut up his mouthy captain who's opened the gates to jamie "fears for his job" redknapp to have a go as well as others.

Now the line for the one who lucked into a formation is that mario would take it if on so henderson can swing in the wind.... who's balls are getting sucked this week eh?

cos balotelli did a bit of an aldo shuffle fooled the keeper and slotted it he's now untouchable i suppose.... ah well...... i still say mario should have punched henderson's lights out of required to take it so i don't much care.

I think theres an ego building in henderson's head that wants knocking down a peg or two anyway. his talents don't merit much of any ego.

 

Brendan Rodgers insists there are 'no issues' surrounding the taking of penalties or which players should assume the responsibility.

Liverpool beat Besiktas 1-0 in the Europa League last 32, first-leg clash at Anfield on Thursday night after being awarded a late spot kick, which was successfully converted by Mario Balotelli.

Addressing the media in his pre-Southampton press conference, Rodgers explained how Jordan Henderson had been nominated as the designated taker prior to kick off.

However, the manager outlined the rationale behind a decision being made for Balotelli to take the 85th minute strike, while also reaffirming Steven Gerrard's position as the Reds' first-choice when it comes to penalty duties.

Rodgers said: "There's probably been a lot more of a drama made out of it than what it actually was.

"We scored the penalty and it's very clear who our penalty takers are in the team. Obviously when Steven plays, he's normally our No.1 penalty taker.

"With the players that were initially on the pitch last night, Jordon was our nominated penalty taker.

"If Jordan, Steven and Mario are on the pitch at the same time, we'd normally have Steven or Mario as the penalty taker. It just varies and really is with the player who is responsible for the penalty.

"Jordan Henderson showed last night what a team player he is. He respected Mario's position and that he is an outstanding penalty taker, and he was happy to give him the penalty to take it. Mario had the composure and calmness to finish it.

http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/180470-rodgers-there-s-no-issue-with-penalties


#desperatetomoveon.....hasforgottenthatsitsmadmario

 

"You have to go steady with Jordan - I think everyone is trying to catapult him into [being] the next Steven Gerrard, and he's not that," he said. "I've said it many times, he's not that type of player.

"Jordan is a real honest boy who is a hard-working player. A great team player who is tireless in his running, his ability and gives his all for the team. Steven is a totally different player.



so why'd he grab the ball and head to the spot d.brent...... hmmmm ego perhaps... perhaps you should talk to him in private and tell him water carriers carry water not take all frees, corners and pens...

 

Bit harsh on Henderson there. Thought he handled himself well on the pitch and in the interview said all the right things. Ego - you avin' a larf

 

There's a big difference between playing well as an impact sub and playing well for 90 mins. Balotelli has proven to be some use in the last week and is definitely our best bet on set pieces, but I'm still to be convinced that he can perform at such a level for 90 mins

 

Someone somewhere posted that Balo was the nominated player when he came on

 

Rodgers must obviously have his penalty takers ranked. Out every one on the pitch who ever is highest ranked takes the kick.

I'd guess:
Gerrard
Balotelli
Lambert

I can imagine Moreno and Enrique smack a sweet penalty.

 

Would love to hear the thoughts of Gerrard, Redknapp etc now that Rodgers has admitted it.

Makes the criticism of Balotelli completely laughable.

 

Gerrard should surely know Rodgers rule on penalties to.

 

From the middlesboro pens the team can take en but funnily enough sterling missed and Henderson did not play

Balotelli then took pen no 1 and a second one as well....

 

Oh and if not worry about ranks id say it's

Stevie me
Badontelly in his contract
Lambert cos rodgers knows him from championship
Ermmmmm that lad borini cos he liked him at chelsea
Ahhhhh Henderson cod he's got good hair??

After all he ****ing bought lallana purely on the basis of his hair based on what I saw last night. I reckon rodgers picks on hair styles

 

He put Andy Carroll up for sale on day 1. I think your right!

 

The tricky players often take crap penalties. Sterling, Sturridge, Suarez. Even Christiano Ronaldo can embarrass himself from the spot.

 

Ronaldo has scored 44 from 47 since 2010...

 

And he's ashamed.

P.S. 47 penalties