By JOHN DRAYTON
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Misfit Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli and manager Roberto Mancini were involved in a furious training ground bust-up today.
The City boss was seen to grab, shove and gesticulate wildly at the striker as the pair clashed in front of stunned team-mates at the club's Carrington base.
The 22-year-old Italian striker was then seen being restrained and led away by a member of staff, believed to be Massimo Battara, in shocking scenes as City prepared their FA Cup third round clash with Watford.
Face off: Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini (right) squared off in training
Push and pull: Mancini and Balotelli raged at each other
Mancini reacted furiously following a tackle from Balotelli on a team-mate said to be Scott Sinclair, once again putting the Italian's future at the club in doubt.
The drama comes just after former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic claimed Balotelli offered City the best chance of retaining their Barclays Premier League title.
Back inside: Mancini stomps off furiously
Anger: Mancini was furious after a mistimed tackle from Balotelli
He believes Mancini should continue to take the rough with the smooth and persist with the precociously talented striker.
'If you ever spend any time with Mario then you love Mario,' said the 31-year-old Swede, who has been no stranger to controversy himself during a 13-year career at the highest level.
Led off: The striker was pulled away from Mancini by a coach
'Even though he is not always the easiest player for the coach to manage, speak to any of his old coaches like Jose (former Inter and current Real Madrid boss Mourinho) and they will tell you when you work with Mario you always have a smile on your face.'
Ibrahimovic, who has netted 18 goals in just 16 games for Paris Saint-Germain this season, believes that Balotelli can inspire City to claw back the seven-point lead Manchester United currently hold over them in the title race.
'He is a special player and a special talent,' added the former Milan, Barcelona and Juventus man. 'When Mario plays like he can he will hurt any team in the world.
'Manchester City are already a way behind Manchester United in the Premier League – but if any player can retain the title for them it is Mario. All the class that Manchester City have I would still say Mario is the most capable.'
Stand off: City players watch on as the pair engage in their spat
Tempers: Mancini was angry after a mis-timed tackle by Balotelli
Bellow: Mancini shouted at his compatriot
Held back: Balotelli was unimpressed with Mancini's yelling
Ibrahimovic - who scored a stunning long-range overhead kick against England in November - also revealed that he helped Mancini to nurture Balotelli when the trio were together at the San Siro.
'I tried to help Mario because it is true he does sometimes make decisions in the moment – but that is his personality,' he added.
'Roberto will know the same as me that the way to get the best out of Mario is to love him. That is what he will react best to – and if they can get Mario playing at his best then Manchester City still have a big chance.'
Leaving the scene: Balotelli left in his camouflage car
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