nmc
Well-Known Member
So you gather you can't keep two goalkeepers happy at Barca, but you can at City? Imo things will clear up slightly after Pep has had his first sit down with Hart.
I prefer to have a good number two who is willing to accept his position as number 2, stays eager to keep the number 1 on his toes and can actually take over the number 1 position if he is given time to show himself. Pantilimon got his chance, did ok but not enough to convince the manager to actually take over from Hart. Caballero never got that number of back to back games to show himself. He got two at the most. I therefore can understand if City looks at a new number 2.
If you get either Ter Stegen or Bravo it will be the end of Hart in a City jersey for sure. I wonder if the management is collectively convinced that is what needs to be done. So far Pep accepted the goalkeeping coach to keep his position at City and I like to believe Hart had an important say in that. You can take whatever you like from that decision.
The mood music is that Hart is well thought of at the top of the club - but we can't be certain. What is known is that Mancini didn't rate him and wanted him replaced - if (and it's a big if) Pep isn't too keen I'm not sure how much the Board will push back given that Hart could be sold for a big fee (although the fee the England number one would command - 35m puts the Ter Stergen reports 85m into perspective). Personally I think Hart's done enough to earn a chance under Pep - if after a year it's not working then change him but with all the other changes - I'd stick with 'Charles' for now.