Andrea Pirlo: Mario Balotelli Can Become a Liverpool Great with Love

Mario Balotelli's Liverpool has gotten off to a rocky start so far. 

He's only scored one goal so far (none in the Premier League), was recently slammed for exchanging shirts at half-time of a defeat with Pepe and missed a sitter against Hull that would have won three points for Liverpool. 

But one man who is in Balotelli's corner is one of his former team-mates: Italian legend Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo has been a team-mate of Balotelli's with Italy. 

According to quotes in the Daily Mail, Balotelli can become a star at Anfield with just a bit of love. 

"

The difference between other players and Mario is that every action he takes is going to be scrutinised. 

The media is interested in him, and things he does are going to be highlighted—where perhaps with other players they would not get such a reaction—or maybe even no reaction at all. 

There is no question over his talent—I have played with him and I know how good he is and how good he can be. It is the job of the Liverpool coach to manage him in the right way. 

He needs to be loved, he needs direction, but most importantly he needs to know that the coach believes in him. 

If he spends time with Mario—I know he can still go on and be a great player for Liverpool. 

"

[Daily Mail]