Joe Hart was full of smiles during what could be his last appearance for Manchester City.
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He also revealed that Kelechi Iheanacho has no issue after his scare against Steaua on Wednesday night.
Claudio Bravo expects to compete with Manchester City’s other goalkeepers for his place after completing his move to the Etihad Stadium. “We have a game at Stoke on Saturday and that is more important than all the rumours. His experience, to anticipate situations not in the box and in front of the box, being good in the build-up plays and quick under the posts – he is a good player for us”. I’m so excited to convince our players to play the way we like.
Guardiola said: “Claudio is a fantastic goalkeeper and an excellent addition to our squad”.
“Kelechi’s injury was nearly nothing so it was a scare but he’s fine”, he said. “Everybody is fit, everybody is ready. We have to put up with that because it is the draw and we will have to face it”.
“It’s not an ideal situation, but I will respect their contracts and the situation”. They have a lot of experience in Europe.
Guardiola will return to the club where he has iconic status and admitted: “I can not deny this was special for me. I’ve also rated Joe – I think he is an outstanding goalkeeper”.
“The first time it’s “wow” the second time it’s the second time, then it’s normal”.
Hart is set to leave City after being reduced to a fringe role since Pep Guardiola’s arrival as manager and the England worldwide had been strongly linked with a switch to Everton.
There may be outgoings, however, with Joe Hart, Samir Nasri, Wilfried Bony and Eliaquim Mangala all thought to be available.
The Toffees were strongly linked with a move but when asked about the player, Koeman said emphatically: “There’s no interest”. “I will try to be fair with him”.
“We all know there is a situation going on but I feel that outside of all the circus, we are handling it well as a good team with a good management staff, and I enjoyed tonight”. “Now we have one week and we have to make him [Hart] happy and if he can find a solution and find a club where he has a real chance to play regularly”.
Finally, Guardiola spoke on Aleks Kolarov and expressed his delight that the Serb has provided a new option at centre back.
“It’s a place I love to be”, he added.
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“We agreed and we’re convinced he has the ability to do that. Until now, he is here and a player for us”.
