Hart was benched by new City head coach Pep Guardiola during the team’s Premier League opener against Sunderland last Saturday and in Tuesday’s Champions League match versus Steaua Bucuresti, which ended in 2-1 and 5-0 wins for the Manchester outfit.
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He has lost his near decade-long place as City’s first-choice goalkeeper because Guardiola doesn’t believe he is good enough with his feet – which also happens to be one of Barcelona ‘keeper Bravo’s strengths.
Guardiola said he had spoken to Hart during City’s pre-season tour to China.
“Jack Butland won’t play – it’s a bit too soon for him”.
Ever the perfectionist, Guardiola added he was disappointed to have conceded but was pleased with his side’s overall display. If they decide they want to stay they are going to stay.
“I don’t want players to stay if they don’t want”.
After staying on the bench for the past two matches against Sunderland and Steaua Bucuresti, the England global has begun to eye other football clubs and seems to refuse the new style Pep Guardiola is bringing to the Etihad Stadium.
But he had a poor Euro 2016 for England and was at fault for goals in their group-stage win over Wales and last 16 defeat by Iceland.
“Keep calm, it’s just two games”.
“It’s not easy because we played in midweek”, City captain Pablo Zabaleta said, “but we produced a great performance and great team spirit from the first minute”. “That’s why I’m here”.
“Yes, we played well at home against Manchester City last season, but this is not the same Manchester City”. The situation, I spoke individually with them, so they know exactly what the situation is.
“There are very few keepers at his level in world football, so I’m sure there will be takers”. “I have a lot of respect about him as a person and a goalkeeper”, he said.
Guardiola revealed that captain Vincent Kompany was now taking part in non-contact training as he continues his recovery from a thigh problem.
“I don’t like it when central defenders go down on the pitch”, said Guardiola.
“I’m waiting for our doctor to say he’s ready”.
Ilkay Gundogan is still recovering from a dislocated kneecap while Leroy Sane had a small hamstring injury and neither will be involved against Stoke although they have returned to full training.
The 45-year-old accepts that the pressure in England may be even higher than in Germany and Spain, but insists he will ignore all criticism and focus on building a winning side at City.
“All of the managers try to control as much as possible”. We’re going to play in those conditions and OK, we’ll do it.
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“If they want to stay, they stay”.
