Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini expecting better performances from Mario Balotelli

EPL: Mario Balotelli, Manchester City v Fulham

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Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has called on striker Mario Balotelli to put in stronger performances.

The young Italian has scored six goals in eight league starts for the Eastlands outfit, but the former Inter boss still wants the 20-year-old to improve.

But Mancini says that the improvement he has called on the player to focus on is his workrate and off-the-ball play.

“I expect more because Mario has an incredible attitude to play football. He can play better,” said the boss.

“He scored a fantastic goal on Sunday but after this he should have continued to play for the team. It is important that all the players work in the defensive phase when we lose the ball.

“Sometimes you do not play as well as you can. That’s normal, also for Mario. He has come back after two months out and played two games in 10 days.

“But it’s important when you are tired and play every three days, that you have the right mentality. That’s the same for Mario and for all the players.”