Barry heaps praise on Mancini after Wigan victory

29/11/2012 11:00:00 AM

The Manchester City midfielder hailed his manager's decisions after Mario Balotelli returned to the starting line-up to fire the crucial opening goal at the DW Stadium

Gareth Barry has hailed Roberto Mancini's influence over Manchester City's 2-0 win over Wigan on Wednesday night.

The City boss made three changes from the side that was held to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, introducing Mario Balotelli in place of Edin Dzeko and the striker repaid his manager's faith by opening the scoring midway through the second half.

And substitute James Milner ensured the points would be heading back to the Etihad Stadium after his stunning strike finally killed off Wigan just over a minute later.

"Yeah, it was [a thoroughly professional job], especially after the first half," Barry told Sky Sports at full-time.

"We found it quite tough tonight, the pitch was tough going and there were a few stray passes. But in the second half, we ground it out and it was a great three points in the end.

"We have to give them credit. They play a different formation to what we're used to playing against with the three across the back. But in the second half we did step it up, the manager changed things around and the goals came at a great time.

"When the results go your way, he's [Mancini] the best technician in the world but if they don't, he's the worst," Barry added.

"That's just the world we live in, it's football.

"You see a lot of great teams come here and slip up throughout the Premier League and on last year's results, they are vital points that came our way. Hopefully come the end of the season they will be a big three points."

Inside Goal.Com

Real Madrid are better off without Jose Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he is leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
In Off the Post Podcast: Merrick makes return
The team from Goal Australia and Sportal take you through all the big news in football, including Ernie Merrick's A-League return and the forthcoming Champions League final
Real Madrid are better off without Mourinho
The Portuguese's position had become untenable in recent weeks, especially after Friday's debacle in the Copa del Rey. Now he's leaving, but the club can grow stronger without him
Merrick's chance to prove his point at Phoenix
Bren O'Brien ponders Ernie Merrick's A-League return with the Wellington Phoenix and if we will see a change in the man to the one that led Melbourne Victory to two championships
Who is the greatest Champions League striker ever?
Enter our competition now and you will be in with a chance of winning one of four replica football shirts. Simply pick your favourite and subscribe to our YouTube channel