But the Spanish coach’s decision to drop Hart – who joined the Premier League club a decade ago- has been met with anger by former City star Barton.
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Cape Town – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has dismissed suggestions that Yaya Toure is not part of his plans, claiming the Ivory Coast global is not yet ready for the rigours of first-team action. It is going to be tough, the competition is there. “We know he has that but, just as importantly, he has character – and that is one of the most important qualities you can have as a goalkeeper”. “We work hard and the gaffer works hard to study what other teams will do against us”.
The season now looks certain to feature another Champions League challenge after City all but guaranteed their place in the group stage with a superb display in the Romanian capital.
The score line could have been even more emphatic had Sergio Aguero not missed two first half penalties and the Argentina worldwide is 5/6 (1.83) to extend his scoring streak to three games by netting at the bet365 Stadium and 16/5 (4.20) to break the deadlock.
“I am not saying he’s not able to do it – with training he can do it”, Guardiola said about Hart’s ability to be his sweeper-keeper. We played really well with the ball, we could have scored three or four more goals.
Those searching for a bigger price should consider the 11/4 (3.75) with the same firm about a penalty being awarded during the course of 90 minutes.
The Toffees could afford to buy Hart but City’s longest-serving player would prefer a loan move, with Everton expected to cover his £110,000-a-week wages to make him their highest-paid player ever.
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This is Guardiola’s first European tie with City after taking over as manager and while the 2-1 win over Sunderland over the weekend was not City’s best displays, the manager would be confident of getting past the Romanian Liga 1 runners-up.
