“At the moment Joe Hart is still part of the Manchester City squad”, the Argentinian said of his team-mate, alongside whom he has won two Premier League titles.
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“He had a little problem with his tendon and I could not risk two games in just three days, so that’s why I made a decision to play with John Stones and Kolarov”.
The Ivorian, who played under new manager Pep Guardiola when the pair were at Barcelona, was omitted for Saturday’s narrow 2-1 win over Sunderland in City’s Premier League opener. The 29-year-old has travelled to the Romanian capital but it remains to be seen whether he is restored to the side.
The decision sparked speculation England global Hart could be on his way out at City, with the club reportedly interested in Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, as well as retaining an option on Real Sociedad’s Gero Rulli.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference at the Arena Nationala.
But Coton, who spent half a season with Manchester United after leaving City in the mid-90s, believes Hart can adapt to Guardiola’s style of play if given the opportunity. “The most important thing for me is to enjoy this game and that I keep improving”.
Former City midfielder Joe Barton – now at Rangers – has slammed Guardiola for his treatment of Hart.
“For sure, it’s very tough in this situation for me, for Joe, for the fans, for everything”, he said. “He is a big professional”. “I’m sorry I have to decide, we have 28 players so they have to convince me on the pitch”. After that the result is coming.
“I have no doubts about that [the players reacting well]”, the manager told the Evening News.
Victory for City in the two-legged tie against Steaua would take them into the group stage.
So despite acknowledging he has no future with the club, he is only looking for a loan move.
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“And that’s what I’m here to do – work hard in training and show the gaffer what I can do and earn that starting spot”.
