Thursday, 2nd October, 2014
Liverpool legend Ray Clemence believes that Brendan Rodgers' "risk" in signing Mario Balotelli is backfiring, following another insipid performance from the Italian striker last night.
Balotelli was largely ineffective at St. Jakob Park as Liverpool went down to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Swiss outfit Basel.
The striker, who was signed by Rodgers from AC Milan for £16m in the summer to replace the goals lost through Luis Suarez's departure, looked disinterested throughout proceedings.
And Clemence believes the signing of Balotelli, who courted controversy at previous clubs Inter, Manchester City and AC Milan, was always going to be a risk on Rodgers' part.
"Brendan knew it was a risk, one that was going to be the most fantastic signing or one that was going to cause a problem to the club and at the moment we're seeing a Balotelli that strolls around, doesn't show enough energy and passion that Liverpool supporters demand", the former goalkeeper told BBC Radio 5 live.
relatedNewsStory
"One thing Liverpool supporters will give you is support, even if you're playing badly, as long as you're giving 100 per cent", Clemence continued.
"And at the moment they will look at him and think there is more there and he is not giving it."
Balotelli was also ineffective during last weekend's Merseyside derby draw against Everton and grabbed more headlines for his new haircut for the big game than his performance on the pitch.
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
