Joe Hart’s future at Manchester City down to his ability to play with the ball at his feet
Pep Guardiola continues to be linked with a move for Barcelona No 2 Marc-Andre ter Stegen
PEP GUARDIOLA has told Joe Hart he will start the season as his number one - but warned he must quickly find his feet.
The England number one has endured a summer of speculation about his future after a disappointing show at Euro 2016.
New Manchester City boss Guardiola traditionally uses a 'sweeper keeper' such as Manuel Neuer who is comfortable with the ball at this feet.
And the new boss says he wants to see immediately that he can do that job in his Etihad revolution.
Guardiola said: "With a goalkeeper I talk to him and say 'here is the ball at your feet' and about what the has to do rather than what he has to do with his hands.
"We have Xabi (Mancisidor, goalkeeping coach) for that. So we have had a chat about it.
"Joe loves the game and from the beginning in the games and the training sessions, have enjoyed the challenge."
Guardiola believes Hart has the tools to be the goalkeeper he wants - but will be looking for proof in the opening weeks of the season.
He said: "Joe is comfortable with his feet. He has quality and he can do that...with time.
"I'm not saying he's not able to do it. Maybe there are other goalkeepers with more quality of that.
"But Joe, with training, he can do it. With time.
"But his time is now. It's not about what happens in six months, seven months.
"As a player I’m so happy about his qualities, his behaviour, what he means to this club."
City sources indicate there are no plans to buy a new goalkeeper this month - meaning Hart will get a proper chance.
But Guardiola has left the door open to make more alterations to his squad during the last three weeks of the summer window.
There are question marks over the future of Samir Nasri, Eliaquim Mangala and Wilfried Bony after they wre left out of the Champions League squad.
Asked about possible movement, Guardiola said: "We have until August 31 to see if we are able to reach the next step.
"The Champions League list is going to change and after Aug. 31, we are going to see which players stay and leave.
"Of course we have 28/29 players, we have to reduce our squad."