Report: Liverpool teammates upset with Mario Balotelli's approach

It didn't take long for Mario Balotelli to ruffle the feathers of his Liverpool teammates after a report surfaced Tuesday suggesting they disagreed with the Italian striker's self-centred approach, sources have revealed to ESPNFC.

The honeymoon period appears to have only lasted a month and a half as manager Brendan Rodgers spoke publicly about Balotelli's poor scoring record and the need to improve his presence in front of goal. Rodgers also hinted that his signing near the end of the transfer window was one of desperation.

"It was a question of availability and affordability at a late stage in the window," Rodgers told reporters last week.

Balotelli was even dropped from the starting line-up during Liverpool's weekend clash with West Brom and failed to make the Italian national team for their upcoming European Qualifiers.

Since arriving on Aug. 21, Balotelli's been held scoreless in the Premier League, while his lone goal came in a Champions League match against Ludogorets.

It's not clear what's upsetting his colleagues, but reports such as this have become normal when Balotelli's name is involved.