Balotelli needs support if striker is to come good at Liverpool, insists Dieter Hamann

Former Liverpool midfielder Dieter Hamann has insisted that striker Mario Balotelli needs support if the Italian is to come good on Merseyside.

Balotelli has endured a dismal time since moving to Anfield this summer and drew another blank against Hull City on Saturday.

It came on the back of his showing against Real Madrid, where fingers were pointed not only for a poor first-half display that led to his substitution but also his subsequent decision to swap shirts with Pepe as the teams left the field at half-time, The Mirror reported.

Former Liverpool legends Phil Thompson couldn't believe that it happened, Jamie Carragher wondered if the player had long left at the club and Graeme Souness was almost lost for words.

Hamann, another former Liverpool legend, though, believes that there is nothing to be gained from continually criticising Balotelli.

He revealed that he feels a bit sorry for Balotelli, adding that he thinks the striker is lost. He said that the Italian looks lost as a person, adding that Balotelli needs all the help he can get and all the support.

Hamann said that if the fans turn the other way, Liverpool might lose Balotelli. He also stated that it is hard for the fans to accept as they see a kid who gets paid loads of money and they want him to do everything to be successful.

But, he added that they all have to take a step back. He said that Balotelli has had issues in the past and he needs support.

Hamann further said that Balotelli has to be criticised for not playing well, not because he swapped shirts, but added that one has to be careful. He said that the more one criticises Balotelli, the more he goes into his shell.