• Premier League

We can cope with busy schedule - Barry

ESPN staff
September 15, 2011
Gareth Barry and his Manchester City team-mates face big tests of their fitness levels this season © Getty Images
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Gareth Barry is convinced Manchester City have the squad to not let the rigours of European football affect their pursuit of silverware on several fronts.

City, like their rivals Manchester United, have got off to a flying start in the Premier League, winning all four of their matches. Roberto Mancini's side made their Champions League debut on Wednesday, taking a point in a 1-1 draw with Serie A club Napoli and they return to domestic action this weekend with a trip to Fulham on Sunday.

With Bayern Munich and Villarreal still to come in Group A, City's resources could be stretched as they attempt to cope with the demands of playing in Europe's premier club competition. However, although he accepts a stern test awaits the club, Barry is adamant there is enough strength in depth to cope with the heavy demands.

He told Sky Sports: "It's going to be a tough act for us to experience this in the Champions League - playing away in Europe and then bouncing back to the Premier League. It is something we are going to have to adapt to quickly, but we have got a big squad and everyone is ready to step in when they are needed."

City have been dealt a difficult hand in terms of fixtures, with away clashes in the top flight following their six Champions League group encounters. Despite the unenviable schedule, first-team coach David Platt is not interested in worrying about things out of the club's control.

"We can only worry about things that we can control," he said. "It's not worked out great for us in that sense - more about the travel than the game. But that's the way it is, we've got to go to Fulham at the weekend and make sure we continue our good Premier League form."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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