Mancini won't throw Balotelli out of Etihad, but wants him to buckle up

London, Apr 3(ANI): Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has warned controversial striker Mario Balotelli to mend his ways if he wants to have a long-term future at the club.

Mancini admitted he was very frustrated with Balotelli's antics and recent performance against Sunderland.

"Will I give up on him? No. But I am frustrated. He is young and I hope for him he can improve very quickly. Sometimes I think it is not possible that a player with his class and technique can play a game like he did against Sunderland," The Sun quoted Mancini, as saying.

There has been speculation in media circles about senior players' unhappiness at the special treatment being given to Balotelli by Mancini.

Balotelli has 17 goals in all competitions, the sixth-best record of any top-flight striker, but Mancini says it is not enough.

"Right now it is important to have the strikers scoring important goals. A player like Mario, in the Premier League, should score one or two goals every game. Mario only played well in the last five minutes against Sunderland and it's not enough," Mancini said.

Balotelli had infuriated some City fans when he argued with Aleksandar Kolarov over who should take a free kick during the 3-3 draw against Sunderland on Saturday. (ANI)