Guardiola learned on Thursday his Champions League challenge with City this season will take him back to Barcelona, the club where he established himself as one of the world’s foremost coaches.
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“You’ve got Simon (Mignolet) there and the goalkeeper they brought in who is injured but I’ve always rated Joe – I think he is an outstanding keeper”. Everton are determined to maintain this stance until the transfer deadline passes at 11pm on August 31st, so unless City change their position, Hart may have to stay at the club. We have 30 players, so it’s enough.
According to British media reports, the impending arrival of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona could signal Hart’s exit after a 10-year stay at City. These guys who were here create this step and I respect (them) a lot.
“After West Ham we will continue to speak to [director of football] Txiki [Begiristain] and we are going to see what the situation is for them”.
“We played well in the first half and scored two goals”.
Hart has in fact fallen down the pecking order, with Willy Caballero being preferred by the manager for the first two league matches of the season.
He said: “He’s fit but he’s not going to play this weekend”.
Fans made clear their appreciation of the 29-year-old two-time title-winner throughout but, with the club poised to complete the signing of Claudio Bravo from Barcelona, it could easily have been a farewell.
“I’m very proud to be joining Manchester City”, Bravo told City’s official website.
Guardiola says the club will focus on moving players on after the Hammers clash, with the likes of Wilfried Bony, Eliaquim Mangala and Samir Nasri all set to depart if suitors can be found. I’m so excited to convince our players to play the way we like.
City is close to purchasing goalkeeper Claudio Bravo from Barcelona, which likely would spell the end of Hart’s decade-long career at Etihad Stadium. “And with the goalkeeper with more than 100 caps for his national team and a team that can compete with Argentina or Brazil, it’s a really good asset for us”.
“Maybe one of them will be in the squad for Sunday’s game”. The club will help him find the best option.
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Jonathan is ESPN FC’s Manchester City correspondent.
