Source: Team_Talk
Mancini lauds 'good guy' Mario
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is expecting a "big contribution" from Mario Balotelli, who dazzled against Everton, this season.[LNB] The controversial striker came off the bench to inspire City to a 2-0 win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium.[LNB]Until his arrival after an hour, City had been struggling to break down the Toffeemen's obdurate defence.[LNB]But Balotelli brought renewed focus to City's attack, scoring the opener, which flicked off Phil Jagielka, before fellow substitute James Milner wrapped up the points late on.[LNB]Far too often in his short City career, Balotelli has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.[LNB]His most recent escapade came on the pre-season tour of the United States when he was hauled off during a match against LA Galaxy for showboating.[LNB]However, Balotelli proved there was no bad blood remaining between him and Mancini by racing over to his manager for a hug having netted his first league goal since February. And now his boss is expecting big things.[LNB]"Mario can make a big contribution this season. I am sure of this," said Mancini. "His behaviour has been so-so. But he is a good guy.[LNB]"He likes Manchester City. He likes English football.[LNB]"Sometimes when he scores, he is unhappy. Today he was really happy. Today he knew he scored an important goal."[LNB]It also proved Mancini correct to introduce Balotelli ahead of Carlos Tevez, who remained on the bench throughout.[LNB]However, the City chief admitted a four-match European suspension that rules the striker out of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Bayern Munich played a part.[LNB]"I needed a player who could also play on the right side," said Mancini. "We needed to open up the defence, plus Mario can't play against Munich on Tuesday."[LNB]Balotelli has now scored in successive games, having opened his account for the season in Wednesday's Carling Cup win over Birmingham.[LNB]More importantly, Mancini's multi-talented squad proved themselves adept at overcoming difficult opponents, who had won the last four meetings between the sides and deployed Jack Rodwell to man-mark David Silva.[LNB]"Today was difficult," said Mancini. "Everton defended behind the ball for all the game. It was not easy for us to find space.[LNB]"We had to push them for 90 minutes. In the end, we deserved to win the game. I am delighted with the players."[LNB]Everton manager David Moyes made no apology for the limited tactics, believing his team were badly done to when a throw-in he felt should have been in favour of his side went against them in the build-up to Balotelli's opener.[LNB]"I wasn't going to come here for the enjoyment of Manchester City," he said.[LNB]"I was going to come here and do what was right for Everton.[LNB]"I have to praise the players for how they went about their task.[LNB]"They have done a lot of really good things. For long periods we kept them at bay."[LNB]And Moyes was not impressed by Vincent Kompany's tackle on Tim Cahill in a clash from which the Everton man received a yellow card but also limped off injured.[LNB]"It is a terrible tackle," said Moyes. "I have seen it again. His foot goes right on his shin. I am disappointed it wasn't spotted."
