JOE HART insists he has no grudge against Pep Guardiola and appreciated his honesty as he prepares to face his old club Manchester City.
The 32-year-old was a big favourite with the Cityzens and helped them to two Premier League titles before the arrival of the Spaniard in 2016.
Guardiola quickly decided the then England No1 did not fit the style he wanted from his goalkeeper and allowed Hart to leave for Torino and then West Ham on loan.
He finally left The Etihad permanently for Burnley last summer and began the campaign as first-choice for Sean Dyche’s side.
But since Tom Heaton was restored to the line-up Hart has had to make do with a place on the bench, which is where he is most-likely start against his former team tomorrow.
Ahead of the visit of title-chasing City to Turf Moor, the stopper has opened up about his feelings towards Guardiola.
'VERY HONEST'
And he has no problem with the ex-Barcelona man for ending his successful spell in Manchester.
Hart said: “I had a very interesting situation with him. He made it clear that I wasn’t going to be part of his team – a team I loved being a part of, and personally did very well being a part of.
“The one thing I did enjoy about him was the way he handled the situation. He was very honest and there was no drama.
“But I still managed to have a couple of pre-seasons with him and he’s all about winning, getting the best out of his team, giving the most information he possibly can.
“Ultimately he gives his team the trust to go out there and win games. He puts the foundations in there and lets the talent win him the games.”
THEY WANT IT ALL
Hart believes the ethos Guardiola has installed into City has made them a much more greedier outfit than when he was at the club.
He explained: “City have a clear message and path they are going.
“They don’t necessarily have to be world superstars, they just have to fit into their team. That’s what they’re after. They can build because they all want to be there.
“With Roberto (Mancini) we were looking for that first title, under Manuel (Pellegrini) we maybe wanted a double. Now, they want them all.
“I know they played the quadruple down, but that’s where they’ve built themselves and that’s where they’re going.”
City can overtake Liverpool, who thrashed Huddersfield 5-0 last night, at the top of the table with victory at Burnley.
They are currently two points behind the Reds with a game in hand and just three matches left to go.
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