Jump directly to the content
Triple Hart bypass

Pep Guardiola plans more humiliation for Joe Hart by rotating him on Manchester City bench with Willy Caballero and unknown Angus Gunn

England goalkeeper has already lost his No1 spot to Claudio Bravo... and now he will have to SHARE sub duties

PEP GUARDIOLA is planning more humiliation for Joe Hart — by rotating him on the bench.

The England keeper, 29, has already lost his Manchester City place to £17million signing Claudio Bravo.

 Joe Hart has been relegated to third-choice keeper at Manchester City
6
Joe Hart has been relegated to third-choice keeper at Manchester CityCredit: PA:Press Association

Now he will have to SHARE sub duties with Willy Caballero and Angus Gunn, unless he moves club before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.

Boss Guardiola said: “With four goalkeepers it is difficult. But Joe is here and if he stays we will do the best for him but also Willy and Angus.

“If all four stay the best solution is for everybody to be involved — they are going to be in rotation. It is not ideal.

 Hart played what looked to be his final game for Man City on Wednesday
6
Hart played what looked to be his final game for Man City on WednesdayCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 Pep Guardiola has axed Joe Hart as Man Citys No 1
6
Pep Guardiola has axed Joe Hart as Man Citys No 1Credit: PA:Press Association

“It won’t be the same one who is always on the bench. They need to play. The situation is not easy.

“I  respect their  contracts and the  situation. I will be clear what the solution will be.”

Guardiola insisted he and the club’s transfers chief Txiki Begiristain are working hard to help Hart find another club.

But Everton, Liverpool, Sevilla and Borussia Dortmund have all backed off, although a three-month elbow injury to Vito Mannone may offer salvation at Sunderland.

 Joe Hart is not wanted by Guardiola... but fans still love him
6
Joe Hart is not wanted by Guardiola... but fans still love himCredit: Reuters
 Claudio Bravo has been drafted in to replace Joe Hart who is set to leave the Etihad
6
Claudio Bravo has been drafted in to replace Joe Hart who is set to leave the EtihadCredit: Getty Images

With time running out — the transfer window closes at 11pm on Wednesday — Guardiola is now planning how to use everyone.

Caballero will face West Ham tomorrow with Hart on the bench.

But after the international break, the former Barcelona man Bravo will take over.

The rest will be scrambling for game time, with promising youngster Gunn also entering the mix.

For Hart, capped 63 times for England, the situation has become almost unbearable.

He put a brave face on things as he captained City in the midweek Champions League triumph over Steaua Bucharest at the Etihad.

 Joe Hart will have to get used to sitting on the bench under Guardiola
6
Joe Hart will have to get used to sitting on the bench under GuardiolaCredit: Getty Images

But, privately, he is understood to be distraught at how he is being phased out.

And his England place is also under threat because of lack of game time.

Guardiola added: “We want the best for Joe and the club is going to help him get the best solution.

“If the transfer window is closed and he is here, he has to stay here, he will be treated like another one.

“He deserves what he deserves, I will try to be fair with him.

“Until now, he is here and is a player for us.”

 

Topics