The former Juventus coach believes “great coaches” have tried and failed to get the best out of the 24-year-old, who has scored only twice in 14 games this season

Italy coach Antonio Conte insists he doesn’t have the time to change Mario Balotelli and believes “great coaches” have failed to get the best out of Liverpool striker.

After missing out on Conte’s first two squads, Balotelli was called-up for Italy’s fixtures against Albania and Croatia, but the 24-year-old withdrew due to groin and hamstring injuries.

Balotelli has faced criticism after struggling to make an impact since his €20 million move to Anfield from AC Milan, scoring just twice in 14 appearances this term.

“I’m not so arrogant as to claim that I’m different from the great coaches, but the past tells us that they failed to change Balotelli,” he told Rai Sport.

“It’ll be up to the player, but I don’t have much time and I need certain things.”

The former Reds boss says has strongly refuted speculation of a deal for the Italy international but says the Anfield faithful will back the striker if he works hard on the pitch

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has completely dismissed suggestions that he will try to sign Mario Balotelli from Liverpool in the January transfer window.

The Italy international has endured a slow start to his career at Anfield and is still yet to score in the Premier League for Brendan Rodgers’s side.

Balotelli was signed from AC Milan in a €20 million deal in August but Benitez says he will not try to bring him back to Italy when the transfer window reopens.

“Liverpool fans are loyal – if he works in the field then they will support him,” the Spaniard told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Mario coming to us in January though? There is absolutely nothing to this, it is just a hypothesis that I have never considered.”

Benitez, who spent six years as Liverpool manager, also spoke about his future with his contract at Napoli set to expire in the summer.

“My family are away from me, my wife and two daughters live in Liverpool. It’s the first time I haven’t had them with me, it’s not easy,” he added. “[owner Aurelio] De Laurentiis knows how important my family values are to me.

“Experience tells me we have to work on the current project. I often speak with [sporting director] Riccardo Bigon, and I always say to De Laurentiis that he must ensure the future of the club regardless of myself.

“The problem isn’t the renewal, but sharing the same vision, it’s not a question of money or signings. We need to work to see if we can win together going forward or not, and then we’ll see.”

The full-back believes competing for a spot under Brendan Rodgers is helping him to develop into a better player than he was with Atletico Madrid

Javier Manquillo says he is happy with his development at Liverpool despite competing for a place with “one of the world’s best” in Glen Johnson.

The Atletico Madrid full-back moved to Anfield on a two-season loan deal in August, having struggled to break into the first team at the Vicente Calderon, and has made 12 starts under Brendan Rodgers.

The 20-year-old has found himself competing with Glen Johnson for a starting berth this term and, despite Johnson having been overlooked for the latest England squad, he is adamant the former Chelsea man is among the best in his position.

“My objective here was to become a better player, and I’m getting [the necessary games],” he told AS.

“I came here knowing what they had. Johnson’s one of the world’s best but Atleti and I decided it was best for me [to move], as I needed to play.

“Here you have the pressure of playing for a big team with expectations, and that helps you mature. It’s not easy, but my [personal] expectations are being met.”

Manquillo also revealed the presence of compatriots such as Suso and Jose Enrique has helped him to settle in at Anfield, adding: “I’m adapting.

“It’s one of the hardest things to do but I have help. Jose Enrique and Suso are some of my guides here. The Spanish players get together often and we spend our afternoons together.”