Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has defended Gareth Barry after his midfielder was slammed by Newcastle United's Joey Barton this week.

Barton described Barry in a French football magazine as "a teacher's pet."

Mancini believes Barton has little to shout about and said: "Joey Barton is a good player but Gareth Barry is a fantastic player.

"I can say only this. It is a situation that is not important to me."

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