Barry braced for backlash

13 October 2009 15:37
England midfielder Gareth Barry insists Manchester City players are prepared for the backlash from supporters after mounting their Barclays Premier League challenge. Barry, Carlos Tevez and Emmanuel Adebayor have been targeted when returning to face their former clubs, while Joleon Lescott was jeered by England fans on his last England appearance at Wembley. "The people outside of the club may look on us in a different way but it's something the players, including myself, can deal with. It's important we don't let it affect us," he said. "It's something we've spoken about among ourselves at City this season. "A lot of money has been ploughed into the club and people on the outside may enjoy seeing us fail rather than go on and achieve something this season. "I'm sure that's where the views are coming from but as a unit I'm sure that can help us and make us stronger." City have generated resentment among some fans after spending more than £200million since their takeover in 2008, something Chelsea experienced when Roman Abramovich bought them. "There was a year or so it happened with Chelsea and then it blows over," Barry said. "The whole club (City) expected it. The manager has made the point to us. "We've tried to use it to help us, to bring us together and to work harder on the pitch."

Source: Eurosport