Barry warns City over strops

Controversy surrounded the big-spending outfit late last month when Carlos Tevez allegedly refused to play against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League after being named on the bench by manager Roberto Mancini.

Striker Edin Dzeko also made his unhappiness clear when he was substituted during the 2-0 defeat in Germany, while both Mario Balotelli and James Milner have produced similar shows of dissent this year.

England international Barry has called on his colleagues to shelve their egos and put the team first if they are going to succeed this term.

"It's important that players keep their focus and not get too disappointed when they're not playing," said Barry.

"Everyone has got to stay together and be patient. That's going to be the key to success this season. When their chance does come, it's important they take it." 

City currently sit second in the Premier League on goal difference to local rivals Manchester Unitedafter a storming start to the campaign.

Barry admits the team are still learning but feels title glory is just around the corner if they continue to progress.

"The club and the squad are still on a learning curve," he added. "It's our first real experience of this.

"It's our first season in the Champions League and we are looking to be going on long cup runs as well. The players and the whole club are adapting to it and I'm sure we can have a great season.

"If you look at our finishes - fifth in 2010, then third last season when we won the FA Cup - that's great progression. If we can keep doing that, then a league title is not going to be too far away."