Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool future has been plunged into fresh doubt after it emerged Jurgen Klopp criticised his behaviour.
Balotelli is spending this season on loan with former club AC Milan but the chances of reviving his Anfield career were dealt a new blow following the revelation from a recent biography about the Reds manager.
In the book by author Elmar Neveling, Klopp is said to have been forthright in his condemnation of the Italy international, who joined Liverpool for £16 million, during his time at Manchester City in 2011.
The 25-year-old hit the headlines when he threw a dart at a youth team player at City’s Carrington training ground – something which prompted the erstwhile Borussia Dortmund boss to issue a damning verdict.
“When the subject of Italy forward Mario Balotelli, who while at Manchester City threw a dart at a youth-team player, came up, Klopp didn’t mince his words,” wrote Neveling.
“‘If one of his players pulled a stunt like that, they would never wear this club’s shirt again. He wont get a second chance to make a mistake like that. Look, you might be able to play, but I don’t want to see your face again. Not when we’ve got so many lads who are a joy to work with’.”
It remains to be seen whether the Italian will be given a chance by Klopp, who has refused to discuss Balotelli’s long-term prospects until his return from Milan this summer.