Speaking earlier Tuesday at a news conference ahead of City’s match against Steaua Bucharest in the Champions League playoffs, City manager Pep Guardiola said “I can not deny what everybody knows”.
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Barcelona have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Jasper Cillessen, according to Sky sources, paving the way for Chile worldwide goalkeeper Bravo to swap the Nou Camp for the Etihad and trigger Joe Hart’s exit from City.
Hart has not played in a competitive game for City this season, with Willy Caballero so far getting the nod from newly-installed boss Pep Guardiola.
Bravo arrived in Manchester from Barcelona last night to undergo a medical ahead of his £17.4million switch from to City on a three-year deal.
Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday, “I have an excellent relationship with Joe”. We are clear – him with me, I with him.
“I can not deny what everyone knows”, he replied.
Last season, Joe Hart was considered as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League as he approached his 10-year anniversary at Manchester City. When the deal is complete or not complete, after I will be open to answer about one player.
“Overall there were elements of our game I was pleased with, but other elements we need to improve on because they are the ones that cost us the game”.
“Unfortunately we had a penalty awarded against us at a key moment when I felt we were in the ascendancy and it knocked us sideways”, the Welshman said.
Guardiola wants a ball-playing goalkeeper who is accomplished with his feet, and has decided Hart does not have sufficient quality to fulfil that remit.
“Hopefully, when we come back from the global break, they will be a full part of our training sessions”.
Guardiola played down suggestions of a rift with Hart after TV pictures showed them having a brief exchange in training. “Hart and Yaya Touré have a chance to play tomorrow”, said Guardiola, who was seen in conversation with the goalkeeper at a training session on Tuesday.
City, United and Chelsea all failed to finish in the top three last season, capping an unpredictable campaign that saw 5,000-1 shot Leicester win the league in an upset for the ages.
“I don’t want the players to think I am looking for an alibi. I will make some rotations with the players”.
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“Sergio is a great striker and I’m learning from him. I don’t know how many, they all deserve to play and I am so confident about all the players”, he said.
