We’re all fighting for futures at City, admits honest Joe
MANCHESTER CITY goalkeeper Joe Hart is baffled by their inconsistency this season and acknowledges that former glories are no guarantee of being part of Pep Guardiola’s future at the club.
City face Manchester United today without consecutive Premier League wins since October, a run that has virtually killed their title chances and has them sweating over a top-four finish.
‘It’s been really frustrating. It’s as if we’ve dug ourselves out of a hole and then put ourselves back in,’ said Hart candidly.
‘I can’t put my finger on why. Everybody at the club struggles to explain it. It’s a crazy league but everyone is where they are on merit. The league table might lie after five games but not after 30.’
City’s impressive run in the Champions League hasn’t been matched domestically and Guardiola could make changes when he replaces Manuel Pellegrini this summer.
Hart (right) has just taken part in a TV documentary with Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta about the club’s rise to win five trophies in six years.
He said: ‘I noticed the hunger and desire from all of us. We want more but the club can only rely on that togetherness if we keep performing. I don’t think being part of the furniture is going to get you anywhere.
‘They want the biggest and best and if you’re not, you probably haven’t got much time left. I think everyone is playing for their futures.’
Hart’s form has been good this season. His favourite Manchester derby memories include an FA Cup semi-final win at Wembley and beating United 6-1 at Old Trafford. He was also beaten by a late overhead kick from Wayne Rooney, voted the best goal in the Premier League era.
Ironically, an illustration of that goal is on the wall at Higher Openshaw Community School where Hart was participating in a community event.
‘I have to take the word of the England captain whether he shinned it — and he said he didn’t,’ is Hart’s diplomatic take.
‘Globally this derby doesn’t carry the same swing as the semi in 2011 or the league game in 2012 but for me personally it’s the most important because it’s the next one. It will shape the rest of our season.’
‘My first derby was the 50th anniversary of the Munich disaster. Manchester really came together for a very respectful occasion, topped off with a great game for football. It was special to be part of.’
Kompany will be missing this afternoon with another calf injury but Hart refuses to use his absence as an excuse. ‘We certainly can’t blame what is going on down to injuries.
‘I don’t think anyone at City would,’ he said.
‘They say a settled defence is ideal but I’ve played in front of different back-fours practically every week for six years. It’s what I am used to.’
Pellegrini doesn’t think Guardiola will let Kompany go despite his injury record.
‘I don’t think Vincent will leave City,’ he said. ‘This latest injury is in a different leg and is a different part of the calf. It is higher in the muscle, it is not a problem that will affect his career.’