Joe Hart has however remained humble, saying he understands Guardiola’s need to implement his philosophy at the club and calling for patience as he and the Spaniard work through things.
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“Claudio is a fantastic goalkeeper and an excellent addition to our squad”, he said.
Hart has become City’s third-choice goalkeeper since the arrival of Pep Guardiola, with Willy Caballero and new signing Claudio Bravo now ahead of the England worldwide in the pecking order.
Joe Hart blew kisses to fans and soaked up the adulation after returning to the Manchester City side for possibly the final time on Wednesday.
Guardiola has justified his decision to sideline Hart by citing concerns about his passing ability and there were ironic cheers every time the City goalkeeper successfully picked out a team-mate. He could leave the club he has been with for 10 seasons before the transfer window closes on August 31.
Delph had an initial chance to put the home side ahead after he was played through by Iheanacho, but the ‘keeper saved well to keep the England worldwide at bay.
Fans chanted their backing for Hart on numerous occasions, gave him an ovation midway through the second half and also unfurled a banner paying tribute to the long-serving keeper.
“Joe’s the ultimate professional”.
This is City’s sixth consecutive season in Europe’s premier competition and they have played this will be the third time they meet the Catalan giants. “I’m definitely enjoying myself”, Stones added. “He’s been working hard as everyone has and he deserved his chance to play”. It’ll be nice for them to be able to come back home.
Describing the win as a “really special night for me”, Hart, who was captain for the evening, applauded the fans at the end of the game. I have to take a decision and I can not deny what I feel.
City manager Pep Guardiola likes his goalkeepers to be good with their feet so they can build up play from the back, explaining his move for Bravo and his decision to drop Hart at the start of this season.
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Guardiola has returned to his former club to recruit a keeper whose CV is already decorated with La Liga and Champions League success. “We have met one of the most powerful teams in Europe and I hope we will have a better route in the Europa League”. But situations occur in football.
