Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes it is ‘harsh’ to put all the blame on striker Mario Balotelli after the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on Wednesday night.
The Italian forward has been heavily criticised for his lack of effort during the 3-0 loss to Carlo Ancelotti’s side and was hauled off at half-time by boss Brendan Rodgers.
Whilst, Owen believes that Balotelli does not help himself at times, the former Liverpool striker said that the Italian striker should not be singled out by the club.
“I’d still start Balotelli at the weekend,” Owen wrote on Twitter. “I’m not a big fan of his but he has more class than most. Harsh to put all the blame on him.
“Last point on Balotelli. Most worrying thing is his teammates’ body language towards him. Once you lose their respect it’s a big struggle.”