Mario Balotelli believes Roberto Mancini is a better manager than Jose Mourinho.
Both men have been major influences on the 21-year-old's career, Mancini first at Inter Milan, now at Manchester City, and Mourinho during the spell in between.
However, pushed to choose between them, he told Italian magazine L'Uomo Vogue: "Mourinho? Among the best. On a personal level I would say Mancini and then Mourinho."
He added: "A coach has to bring 100% out of a player and Mancini is brilliant at doing just that."
Balotelli has already played down suggestions he wants to move back to Italy. However, clearly issues exist, not least the way his mannerisms are picked apart, leaving him in the position of being attacked no matter how he behaves.
Not that Balotelli feels the Italian media are any better than their English counterparts. In fact, he believes they are worse.
He said: "I am 21 years old and have spent almost two years away from home. I have adapted quite well, despite the huge cultural differences. But I have no real friends here. If I had to move, right now, I would choose Italy.
"If I buy a Fiat Uno, I read that a guy like me would be more suited to a Ferrari. If I buy the Ferrari, I read that I should have been more down to earth and bought the Uno.
"If I laugh, I'm not serious; if I don't laugh, I'm a sulky rich guy who doesn't enjoy doing the best job in the world.
"Here in England the tabloid press writes about absolutely everything, and always exaggerates. But the thing that gives me most trouble is that in Italy the tabloids talk rubbish without a shred of truth to it. So many Italians take everything at face value."
Source: PA
Source: PA