Mario Balotelli given warning as Daniel Sturridge set for return
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers tells out-of-favour striker to prove himself on training pitch
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insisted Mario Balotelli must do more in training as he prepared to welcome back fellow forward Daniel Sturridge to first-team action.
Balotelli failed to make Liverpool’s match-day 18 as the Premier League side were held to a goalless draw by second-tier Bolton Wanderers in a fourth-round FA Cup tie at Anfield on Saturday, even though the Italy striker was fit.
Since making a £16 million move from AC Milan in August, Balotelli has managed just two goals in 18 appearances in all competitions for the Reds.
I had a good chat with Mario and he knows exactly what’s required to be in the squad before he can be in the team
Rodgers has also switched Liverpool’s system to a more dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation based on pressing, which has seen Raheem Sterling utilised in a more central role.
The Northern Irish manager revealed he had an hour-long discussion with Balotelli at Liverpool’s Melwood training ground to spell out exactly what the misfiring forward must do to force his way back into contention.
“Mario’s not injured, just not selected,” said Rodgers.
“I think it’s tough for him because the team is doing very well. He’s probably seen the real Liverpool over these last six or seven weeks and he understands what’s required know to get into the team.