Balotelli fighting for his Liverpool future

The striker has failed to impress since joining for €20 million in the summer and Brendan Rodgers has admitted he will re-assess the situation during the January transfer window

Mario Balotelli is fighting for his Liverpool career just three months after arriving Anfield.

The controversial striker was the subject of a scathing attack from club legends Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness on Wednesday after he opted to swap shirts with Real Madrid defender Pepe at half-time during Liverpool’s 3-0 Champions League humbling.

Despite a slow start for the Reds – Balotelli has managed just one goal in 10 appearances – he appeared to be a more reformed character off the pitch, but confirmation on Thursday that police are investigating alleged “threatening” behaviour towards a woman who was taking pictures of his Ferrari has thrown fresh doubts over the Italian’s future.

Manager Brendan Rodgers said he “didn’t want to go down the route” of directly discussing whether a sale as early as January was an option but it is clear the manager is already having second thoughts.

“We brought in the player to give him a chance, and give him every chance,” Rodgers said. “At this moment in time of course he hasn’t scored the goals we would like or want.

“We are having to give him that opportunity. At this moment in time, it’ll be working with the players that we have and he is one of them.

“It’s not just about improving him but improving all the players. And we will see come January what the team needs.”

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