Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini believes that some players try to aggravate Mario Balotelli on the field due to the striker's volatile attitude.

The controversial forward was sent off for the North West side during their 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

While the Italian boss believes that Balotelli's red card was unjust, the 47-year-old thinks that the frontman needs to "pay attention".

"I think there are some players who [want to provoke Balotelli]," said Mancini. "But Mario should pay attention. We can do nothing. Only he is on the pitch, not us.

"He should pay attention. He is more mature but it is my opinion that if Mario had stayed on the pitch [against Liverpool] we could have won that game, with 11 players against 11. But when he was sent off we could only draw."

Man City have the chance to go eight points clear in the league table with a win over Norwich City on Saturday.