Former Manchester city manager Roberto Mancini has heaped
praise on Carlos Tevez –
“when he wasn’t playing golf” – doubts Mario Balotelli has matured and put himself forward
for the Italy job.
The former Manchester
City manager had an interview with Radio Deejay on Italian football, including
two of his former players who are now starring in Serie A.
“Did I have ups and
downs with Tevez? No, the only downs were when he was off playing
golf. Joking aside, we did clear the air straight away and he probably wanted
to leave the club, but the human rapport with Tevez was always excellent.
“Carlitos can
make the difference, as he fights, scores and drags the team forward. He will
do very well at Juventus. As a centre-forward he
is extraordinary, because he is sharper and doesn’t have to track back as much. Juventus will
do well with him in Europe.”
Balotelli left
Manchester City after numerous clashes with Mancini, including a training
ground bust-up, but has rediscovered his joy at Milan.
“Has Balotelli matured?
I don’t think so,” smiled Mancio. “Mario is exactly as he
was before, both in good ways and bad, so he has to accepted the way he is. As
a player he is remarkable and has unique qualities.
“As for Inter, they
have started the season well as a real team, but I really don’t think they can
challenge for the Scudetto, at least not this
year.
“If President Massimo Moratti does sell the club it will be his
decision. On the one hand I’d be happy, on the other it’s a shame because the
story of his presidency is an important one.”
Mancini has
been named as one of the potential candidates to take over the Italy job if Cesare Prandelli walks away after the 2014 World Cup in
Brazil. While other options like Fabio Capello and Alberto Zaccheroni have tried to distance themselves from
the Azzurri bench, Mancio is
enthusiastic.
“I don’t know anything
about the situation and I respect Prandelli, but it’s only
natural that a Coach cannot turn down a call from his national team. That’s
true for me and I’d assume for all my colleagues too.”
