BRENDAN RODGERS HAS again backed underperforming Mario Balotelli to come good at Liverpool despite acknowledging his ongoing struggles.
The Italian, who has just one league goal to his name, was handed his 10th start of the season as Hull City ran out 1-0 winners on Tuesday to all but end Liverpool’s fading hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Balotelli touched the ball just 22 times — and only once in the 20 second-half minutes before he was replaced by Rickie Lambert — and Rodgers has underlined the need for improved displays from the entire squad.
“Mario’s doing his best,” Rodgers told reporters. “He’s obviously come off [in the second half] with a foot injury. I think it’s clear over the course of the season, not just this game, that [attack] is an area we’ve struggled in.
“He’s still got a few years left on his contract. Every single player, every single day you come in at Liverpool, you’re working for your future.”
