But Guardiola continues to insist he has no problem with Hart and that he is contention to play tonight, along with Willy Caballero and little known youngster Angus Gunn.
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Guardiola is set to make changes to his starting lineup for the game with Steaua with his side virtually guaranteed a place in the group stages following their 5-0 victory in Romania.
Joe Hart will be handed the chance to wave goodbye to Manchester City fans on Wednesday night – after being pushed closer to the exit door.
He said: “I have an excellent relationship with Joe”. I can assure something, my players always run.
“I have seen many times in the Champions League, at half-time an experienced team like AC Milan 3-0 ahead, and the final is done”.
“Until the 31st of this month [when the summer transfer window closes], all the players here are our players, my players”. City were forced to withstand heavy Stoke pressure before two late goals from substitute Nolito sealed the victory. I don’t know (about any enquiries for Hart). After that he has to be able to help us to create a good build-up. I’m not able to speak about what’s going on.
Guardiola said: “We are ready for the Champions League”.
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.
Sterling suffered more than most from England’s disappointing European Championship campaign and attracted unwanted attention off the field, but Guardiola has no doubt his player will prevail.
‘If you have less players, it’s easier for the players and the coaches and the club.
Guardiola’s desire to sign Bravo has cast doubt on the future of England number one Hart, who Sky sources understand is now nearly certain to leave the club before the deadline.
Furthermore, Guardiola hints that Hart should leave Manchester City.
Striker Kelechi Iheanacho is among the players hoping to get a start after Guardiola promised to “make some rotations”. ‘No, anything can happen.
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“But I have a lot of respect for the opponent and I know what happens in football”. We could play and receive a red card inside ten minutes… then a penalty… then another red card ten minutes later!’ We have a huge advantage but we will not play thinking it’s done. “After, when in some moments we played really good, it’s just the quality of the intelligence of these players”, he told reporters.
