Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers warned Mario Balotelli’s best might “not be good enough” after a row over shirt-swapping.

The Italy striker has scored just one goal for his new club since making the transfer from Milan in August.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers warned Mario Balotelli’s best might “not be good enough” after a row over shirt-swapping.

The Italy striker has scored just one goal for his new club since making the transfer from Milan in August.

He was substituted at half-time and roundly criticised after last night’s 3-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid, not only for his performance, but also swapping shirts with Pepe.

“The Mario Balotelli show is no different to me. He is treated like any other player,” said Rodgers in a Press conference today.

“We have an image of a team here, of how we play and work and how we represent the club.

“I like players that are different. I like individual personality in people with hair and coloured boots but as long as they don't see themselves as an individual that is what is important.

“They have to fit into the parameters of the team and if those players over the longer term don't it can be difficult for them to work here.

“But in terms of that he is genuinely working hard and doing his best at Liverpool. Longer term we will see how that works out for him but he is trying hard on the training field to improve his opportunities to score goals.

“As long as he is doing his best that is all I can ask as a Coach: whether that best is going to be good enough that remains to be seen – but that is the same for every player not just Mario.”

Rodgers also addressed the furore over the shirt-swap, which has raised more than a few eyebrows in Italy, as they see it as a sign of fair play rather than lacking respect.

“Any action will be kept between ourselves. We just had a conversation about the culture in this country and in particular Liverpool and that is it, matter closed.”

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