Pep Guardiola has hinted that Joe Hart's future at Manchester City may be in doubt, with the goalkeeper potentially facing the bench for Saturday's Premier League opener against Sunderland. Guardiola, in his first competitive match in charge, suggested Hart's role will be decided internally, amid reports linking the club with Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen.
Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola praised Hart's qualities but remained non-committal. 'Joe is a player I'm so happy with his qualities, his behaviour and what he means to this club. After we are going to decide inside the doors. Now, he is a player of us. Today is not about Joe,' he said.
Meanwhile, new signing John Stones could make his debut after a full pre-season with Everton. Guardiola described the 22-year-old as a 'huge talent' and praised his intelligence on the pitch. With Vincent Kompany injured and doubts over Nicolás Otamendi and Eliaquim Mangala, Stones is in contention to start.
Guardiola called for his team to play with 'soul' from the first day, emphasising that while building a new system takes time, commitment is immediate. He also left the door open for further transfers before the August 31 deadline, saying the club will decide on loans, sales, and new arrivals based on performances.
