Pep Guardiola never really gave Joe Hart a chance
England’s former number 1 had been a key part of Manchester City’s spine for years, helping them win two Premier League titles, before Pep Guardiola arrived at the Etihad.
Guardiola came with a clear idea of what he wanted his players to do, and had clearly already made up his mind on Joe Hart’s capabilities. Hart’s limited ball playing ability was enough to convince Guardiola to send the keeper out on loan and bring in Claudio Bravo, who had won a treble with Barcelona and back to back Copa America trophies with Chile.
As it panned out, Bravo was the reverse at Hart; great with his feet but hopeless with his hands. Guardiola eventually brought in Ederson, who has more than justified his fee, allowing City to carry out Guardiola’s vision.
Hart has recently opened up on his relationship with Guardiola, and discussed how he dealt with being given the axe without having a real chance to prove himself.
“I’m cool with Pep, I think he’s a top manager,” Hart told Sky Sports.
“He came in and was dead honest with me. I looked him in the eye and shook his hands, I thanked him for his honesty.
“I didn’t thank him for his opinion, but his honesty was second to none. We tried to make the best of a bad situation for both of us.
“It is what it is. I moved on, worked hard, trained with City, I was welcomed back the last couple of pre-seasons. It could have easily been awkward, but it wasn’t.”
Hart seems to have finally found a new home at Burnley, where he has nailed down a starting spot in the absence of the injured Nick Pope – who went to the World Cup ahead of Hart – and Tom Heaton.
