Mancini wants Balotelli reform

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini is hoping to see a reformed Mario Balotelli in the New Year.

The Italian's off the field antics have often overshadowed his exceptional form on it, where he's netted 11 league goals to help propel City to the top of the Barclays Premier League.

Tabloid stories surrounding Balotelli have only gone to add to his cult status at the Etihad Stadium, but Mancini hopes the forward can turn a new leaf in 2012.

“I think Mario can improve every week, every month, because he’s still a young player,” said Mancini.

“When you are young, you can always improve.

“I would like the new year to bring for him a different way in that he can understand that if you want to play well at football, to have a good private life, you should have good behaviour always.

“Not sometimes one week, yes and two days, no, but all the time. Every top player has a good private life, has good behaviour, is first into training every day. This is the way for Mario.”