Brendan Rodgers has told Mario Balotelli he "needs to do more" but played down reports the striker refused to acknowledge Liverpool's fans after Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League defeat to Basel in Switzerland.
Balotelli has scored just one goal since his 16 million-pound summer move from AC Milan, against Champions League minnows Ludogorets, and Rodgers has warned his striker that the fans will get on his back if he does not become more prolific.
However, he refused to confirm that the 24-year-old may also have sullied his reputation with supporters by disappearing down the tunnel rather than going to applaud them after Wednesday's defeat.
"I'm not sure if he went back out to say thanks to the fans because I came straight here," Rodgers said in his postgame press conference.
"But I was speaking to one or two of the players to make sure they did that -- it's important, our supporters have travelled a long way and that is why it's important they acknowledge the support, and what they have put in to get here."
Rodgers' take on Balotelli's performance in Basel was more clear cut, telling Sky Sports: "He worked hard -- he needs to do more. That's the simplicity of it.
"Mario will be judged on what he creates and what he scores, that's the reality. But the boy is trying and he is working hard."
When asked if he thought Raheem Sterling was out of sorts, Rodgers added: "No, I think Raheem is gaining lots of experience.
"He's a young player, he worked very hard tonight. He obviously had a task on his hands on that side of the field and he got himself into some good positions.
"It was unfortunate he had the goal disallowed in the first half as he got himself just offside for that and then [in the second half] he had a great combination to get into the box and his touch just got away from him.
"That's something he still learning, he's still only 19 and he's an exceptional talent."