Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool career is far from over, says Brendan Rodgers, who demands ‘intensity and focus’

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Rodgers reckons his time in charge proves players can come back from the dead...

Brendan Rodgers has refuted claims that Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool career is nearing its end, reports BBC Sport.

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The striker hasn’t started a single game since the injury he picked up on international duty back in November, and there’ve been widespread reports that he’ll leave the club this January as a result, with Lazio mooted as a potential destination.

He’s yet to score a Premier League goal for us either since his £16m summer move from AC Milan, but Rodgers reckons he can revive his Reds career if he works hard enough.

“It’s been a difficult period for him but he’s a good boy,” began the boss.

“I’ve seen some bits this morning suggesting that’s him done here. That’s not the case at all.

“I’ve shown in my time here that if players who have been out the fold for various reasons work hard every day in training, and show intensity and focus, then they have every chance of getting back in the side and staying there.”

To be to Rodgers, he has a point. Jordan Henderson couldn’t get into the side during the early months of the manager’s tenure, and now he’s set to be awarded the captaincy on a permanent basis. Lucas was largely cast aside in the latter months of 2014, and now he’s a guaranteed starter at the heart of midfield.

Balotelli’s talent is undeniable, and let’s just hope he proves in training that he deserves to be starting for a club like Liverpool.

 

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