A photographer caught Roberto Mancini grappling Mario Balotelli during a training ground bust-up on Thursday, raising more questions about the striker’s long-term future at Manchester City. Mancini was angry with Balotelli for a late challenge on Scott Sinclair during a  morning practice session. Soon after, the pair started grappling each other and eventually had to be separated by members of the City coaching staff.

Despite the incident being caught on camera, Mancini downplayed its significance, insisting that Balotelli still has a future in his team. "There is no fight,” the Italian said. “The photo is worse than what happened. It wasn't a bad thing like [it looked] in the papers." He added: "I will give [Balotelli] another 100 chances if I think he can change. I give him another chance, sure, because he is 22 and he can do a mistake."