Pep Guardiola has said he “cannot deny” that Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is close to a move to Manchester City but refused to discuss the player until the transfer is complete.
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This will seriously affect his chances of playing for England – new manager Sam Allardyce has already suggested that Hart needs to be playing regularly to remain as his number one – so to be at a club where he is not even on the bench most weeks could well kill off his worldwide career.
“The fans may boo because they know how good he is”, Guardiola said.
Guardiola does not think Hart is good enough with his feet to fulfil the role he wants from his goalkeeper.
Sterling set the tone for City in last week’s first-leg 5-0 win in Bucharest, winning an early penalty (which Aguero squandered) and laying on goals for David Silva and Aguero, who scored a hat-trick. If they want to stay, stay and we will fight together.
“If it goes for a longer period then it’s hard to select them, based on how they feel – never mind from a training point of view – and to known can they go and play at that level having not played for their own team for a considerable amount of time?”
Guardiola told reporters on Tuesday, “I have an excellent relationship with Joe”. He had to know we are here to help him in the way we play, to create as much chances as possible and to have more chances to score goals. “I am not able to speak about negotiations”.
But, with Chile global Claudio Bravo having arrived in Manchester on the brink of completing a £17million move to City from Barcelona, it might only be the briefest of returns.
Like Guardiola, Chelsea coach Antonio Conte also is in his first season in English football and has begun with consecutive 2-1 wins, the latest coming at Watford.
“Bacary Sagna is not available”.
Chile worldwide Bravo’s move is set to be confirmed in the next 24 hours ahead of a likely debut at home to West Ham on Sunday, so this could be Hart’s final City appearance.
Toure, who was not always in favour with Guardiola during their time at Barcelona, is yet to feature for City this season, but the Spaniard suggested that could change on Wednesday. “Maybe at Old Trafford [against Manchester United on September 10th]”.
The Nigerian was also asked to describe his incredible debut campaign, and spoke of his pride to be able to play alongside the likes of Sergio Aguero.
“We are awaiting events this week [regarding a replacement for Bravo]”, he added. It’s not pressure for me to play alongside him.
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“Tonight I played for Manchester City, I enjoyed every moment of it and I have done every time I’ve played for Manchester City”.
