Milan furious as Balotelli does what he does best

Mario Balotelli: Not pulling his weight

Mario Balotelli: Not pulling his weight

Much-maligned Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli incurred the wrath of AC Milan coach Sinisa Mihajlovic on Sunday.

The Italy striker, who is on loan for the season with Milan, replaced Carlos Bacca with two minutes remaining against Genoa with the hosts 2-0 up. But Genoa pulled a goal back in injury time after Balotelli and “another two or three” players failed to put in the required work ethic.

The 25-year-old, who has been accused of being lazy in his time at Anfield, could be axed from the squad, according to The Sun. Meanwhile it is understood there is no release clause in his loan deal and he cannot return to Anfield early.

Mihajlovic was left fuming with the efforts of Balotelli and some of the other players and he made his feelings known afterwards.

“We had to win and we did it. It was a good performance and we hardly ever ran risks,” said Mihajlovic.

“We should’ve scored a third goal and not risked at the end. It is also my fault, as those who don’t sacrifice themselves for the team to the 94th minute will no longer set foot on the field.

“It wasn’t just Balotelli, there were another two or three as well as him, they know who I’m talking about.”

Balotelli has made just 11 appearances for Milan this term and scored just twice.

Reports in Italy last month claimed Jurgen Klopp was keen to bring the striker back to Anfield to fight for a first-team place, but that option is reportedly not open to the German boss, who has recalled several other Liverpool loanees since he was appointed in October.