Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has hinted that Joe Hart can leave the club on loan or permanently if he wishes to. England’s number one goalkeeper, Hart, has had a tough time finding a spot in the starting line up since Guardiola has taken over.
Hart was left out in the opening game of the season against Sunderland, which City won. He was also benched in the Champions League play off against Steaua Bucuresti on Tuesday. Such signs coupled with the rumors of Claudio Bravo in talks with Pep, has left Hart with no choice but to look for options elsewhere.
Hart had been a permanent squad member under Manuel Pellegrini’s reign at Manchester. Responding to a question whether Hart could leave on loan or permanently if he wanted to, Pep replied,
“Of course. I don’t want players who are unhappy,” the manager said before stating he has been honest about Hart’s prospects. I spoke with Joe the first moment we met in China [on the pre-season tour], I have a lot of respect for him as a person and as a keeper. He’s valuable. Until 31st [August], everything is open – If Joe is still here, he will fight for his place.”
Guardiola is in talks with Marc Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo in the meanwhile Willy Caballero has been given preference over Hart. Hart has been linked with both Everton and Sevilla and has less than two weeks to make a move.
Hart isn’t the only Manchester City player to have been given the axe by Guardiola, Yaya Toure who was City’s player of the year in their title winning season in 2013-14 has also found like difficult since the Spaniard’s takeover. Yaya was sold from Barcelona when Pep took over and it will be no surprise if he leaves yet again.
“Yaya is trying very well, he loves football. I spoke with him about his situation, he’s a player with huge quality and I’m really glad that his agent said I’m a good coach – thank you, Dimitri”
“I have adulation and respect for Yaya’s quality – when he increases his intensity without the ball, he will be involved.”
Yaya was left out from the squad for both the Premier League and Champions league (playoff) games. The Ivorian’s agent stated that he’s definitely off in the summer. The speculated move could either be to Paris St. Germain, Bayern Munich or Inter Milan.
“He’ll definitely be away from Manchester City, I can safely confirm that. Various offers have arrived for Yaya and we are evaluating, but he still hasn’t taken a decision for the season.”
Guardiola has made some tough decisions since his arrival at Manchester, will he deliver the goods after having taken such tough choices? Only time will tell.
