Mario Balotelli has no future at Liverpool, said Jurgen Klopp
Liverpool must resolve the surplus striker’s future
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has no room for Mario Balotelli, who spent last season on loan at AC Milan.
The controversial striker had a rough year as he battled injuries while on loan at AC Milan. After the Serie A side elected not to sign him on a permanent deal, Balotelli then reported to pre-season training at Melwood, where he was left out of the Liverpool’s friendly win against Tranmere Rovers.
Following a move to Liverpool in 2014 from AC Milan, Balotelli was sent back on loan to San Siro after managing just one Premier League goal in 16 appearances.
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During his time in Serie A, the 25-year-old was sidelined over three months with a groin injury and struggled to regain his form. He ended his 2015-16 Seri A campaign by netting just once in 20 games.
Klopp believes in order for the Italian international to rediscover his “world-class” form, he must go to a club where he can be the top man.
“I have spoken to him about this. He’s not at his career where he should be battling with four or five other players for one or two positions,” the German revealed to the telegraph.
“We want him to become the player he was before his injury, but this is not the situation where he should be battling other players like this for a position, so it’s clear we need a solution.
“The talent is still there, there’s no doubt about it. When we have done crossing, and stuff he’s been world-class.
“There will be a club around who will be happy to have the new Mario Balotelli. I have spoken clearly to the player about this.
“In this case it’s obvious. It’s now time to make decisions and I try to help Mario to get in the best shape he can be in and we will see what happens,” said Klopp.
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“Since he has been back here, he’s been a good guy and I can’t say anything different from that. It’s not that he’s come back and said ‘who’s the boss, I’m the boss no sorry it’s you.’ It’s not been that at all. Everything’s been good, it’s all okay. And now he’s here, we will do everything we can to get him fit,” he concluded.
It was reported in June by Balotelli’s agent Mini Raiolo, that Turkish club Besiktas were keen on signing the former Manchester City star, per espnfc.