Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini feels Mario Balotelli is now focusing on being the best he can be.

Balotelli struck from the spot in victory over Newcastle United yesterday.

"Mario is a great player; he's becoming better and better and taking on more responsibility for the team," Mancini said. "He is relaxed and confident, I never thought he would miss the penalty. I am pleased at the way he has improved because all the work is down to him. I am just helping him become the best player he can be because I don't want him to waste his talent. He feels the same and that's why he has been working so hard."