What's so wrong with trying to finish like that? Just a bit of flair and Mancini should have been laughing at him rather than taking him off. What kind of message does that send out from the manager to a play that has flair and talent that he shouldn't look to be creative? Better off trying it in a preseason game rather than in the the last minute of a cup game when you are behind for instance.
Surely better to not do it at all? It's fine to do tricks and show flair when you are trying to beat a man or make some space, but when you have the ball and the goal is right there just stick it in. All he has shown from this is that he thinks that it is more important for him to do some bit of skill than it is to score a simple goal. Pre season friendly or not, that sends out the message that he either thinks he is bigger than the team, or he doesn't really care that much about getting a result, neither of which are good messages to send out.
Of course, why do it at all? But I think most people, including Mancini have blown this way out of proportion.
I dunno, for me the problem wasn't what he did with the back heel, but what he did afterwards. Mancini subbed him and tried to have a word, but Balotelli just turned his back and walked off. That sort of disrespect can't be good for their relationship or the dressing room. And to be honest I reckon any other manager, SAF included, would have done the same if a player tried something like that in any match, although possibly not right on the touchline.
The difference is, is that when Fergie has something to say, the player listens. If he doesn't it's not too long before he wishes he bleedin well had done!
so you didnt hear that whistle at the beginining of the video? he obv did think he was offside, but still reacted wrong.
To be honest, I've only seen the backheel so I can't comment on what he did afterwards and of course if he did do that then it does stink a bit of disrespectfulness but, and I'm not taking any sides, think Mancini is in the wrong here.
