The Mario Balotelli thread

Brendan Rodgers.

But Steven Gerrard said (in August I believe) that if he wasn't on the pitch, then Mario would take the penalties.

please log in to view this image

 

Worth remember that Mario didn't start the game here. Would be silly to name a player that isn't playing but equally silly to not say that would change should a the better option be introduced.

 

Storm in a tea cup. Who gives a ****, I'm sure the matter has been resolved internally by now, and not let this detract from another good performance by Mario who's putting himself in to contention of a first team place.

 

But if Gerrard came off the bench, what would have happened? Because a player doesn't start, doesn't mean that he can't take penalties or free kicks.

I just find it astonishing that some fans (not you) are upset that our best penalty taker took a penalty to win the game for us.

 

It needs addressing because people need to know whether or not Brod #luckedout

 

His hold up play was excellent, and it gave Sturridge more space to operate in.

Can definitely see a partnership forming.

 

I'd like to see Sterling operate just behind, the movement and pace of that front three would do a lot of damage.

 

What's all this, punish hendo for being spineless.

When Balo went to take the ball he should have been told to shut up, imagine if he had tried to take it from Gerrard!

 

we should send shako in to anally probe henderson until he realises pens are not his thing,

 

Yep, the issue is trying to fit everyone in.

We would have to play the diamond again - but then we drop Coutinho into the midfield 3. But then we lose the wingbacks as Ibe can't play RB, so we would have to go back to Johnson or Manquillo...

 

That is different. Everyone in world football knows Gerrard takes the penalties. This was the first penalty we've had for years when Gerrard was missing (apart from a few friendlies). If you're playing the 'what if' game, what if Balotelli had missed? He would have done the exact same thing as Mirrallas did for Everton then!

My point is, the decision is made by the manager and each and every player should abide by that. Pretty sure Brod would have named a penalty taker and add "but Gerrard gets them if he comes off the bench" in our scenario. He obviously didn't do that for Mario.

 

That's why I said last night that I suspect the whole thing was a communication breakdown. I'm only speculating, of course, but then so is everyone else.
We won't know until we get the official story, and even then there'll be those who won't believe it.

 

But it's not different - you're saying that the best penalty taker can't take it because he didn't start the match. The same applies to Gerrard, Mario or whoever.

And if Mario missed - what difference does it make? He still gets criticised even though he scored the winning goal and changed the game when he came on. He will never get credit.

 

That's not true, Jimmy. Any player who does well will be given credit by me, and many others on here.
Some have their favourites, of course, and their pet hates, but it's usually obvious when fans refuse to give credit where it's due.

 

Gerrard is the clubs penalty taker, much like he is the club captain. He comes off the bench he gets the armband despite someone else being named captain. Same applies with the penalties. Your love for Mario and hate for Gerrard is getting in the way Jimmy.

Its not just Mario getting criticised though is it, its also Hendo, Gerrard and Brod

 

Difference is, one of those 3 players actually positively impacted the game and ultimately scored the winning goal but is still criticised. That's the issue I have.

 

That could apply to one of the other two had they followed the instructions of the fourth person

 

Lol I'm just confused now! Let's just agree that Mario #luckedout.

 

Fixed

 

The way I see it he's trying his hardest to fit in and is desperate to contribute, he's always had a good penalty record and was confident that he would score.

I'm just happy that he scored and hope his good form continues.