City boss baffled by moody Mario

MANCHESTER City boss Roberto Mancini has jokingly claimed he could punch Mario Balotelli for his continued refusal to celebrate goals.

Although Balotelli did manage a couple of smiles as he scored a hat–trick in City’s 4–0 win over Aston Villa at Eastlands, an actual goal celebration was not forthcoming.

Balotelli tried to explain afterwards it was purely down to the fact that he views finding the net as a routine part of his job.

But as someone who did the same job not that long ago, it is a response Mancini simply cannot understand.

“I would like to punch him sometimes,” Mancini said. “When you score three goals in the Barclays Premier League you should celebrate.

“After the first goal he did celebrate, for one second I think. At least he smiled.”

The muted reaction has done nothing to dampen a feeling that Balotelli is unhappy in Manchester.

Even Mancini accepts the 20–year–old might be homesick, but sees nothing unusual in that.

Balotelli himself has indicated he still sees his short–term future at Eastlands and intends to play a major role in guiding the Blues towards the title, knowing they edged two points nearer their goal following Manchester United’s surprise draw at Birmingham City last night.

Joleon Lescott got the other goal as City followed up Boxing Day’s 3-1 win at Newcastle United with another impressive display.