Manuel Pellegrini hints at England star for Manchester City captaincy

Pellegrini is happy with Vincent Kompany as skipper, but knows Hart is one for the future

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has hailed Joe Hart as a world class keeper and a future Etihad captain.

 

Hart skippered England in the friendly against Spain in Alicante nine days ago and on Wednesday night comes face to face with Italy veteran Gianluigi Buffon, regarded by many as the best stopper in the business.

At times it's been a tough task for Hart to convince Pellegrini of his credentials, the Chilean at one stage dumping him on the bench in favour of Costel Pantilimon.

But as City prepare to meet Juventus in Turin, having already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, Pellegrini was ready with the plaudits.

 

He said: "Buffon has had a long career and has won everywhere, not just at Juventus but with Italy. That is how big a goalkeeper he is.

"Joe is in the middle of his career and has a lot of things to improve on but he is a very good goalkeeper. I hope that if he improves some things he will be one of the best in the world.

"I think he can be a future City skipper. He has a lot of personality to be a captain not only for England but also for City."

 

Hart is no stranger to captaincy for club and country

It's a far cry from when Hart was axed by the City boss.

"I think at that moment it was the right decision. There was a lot of criticism about that but as a manager I have to take the decision that is better for the team," Pellegrini added.

But the decision was important. But more important was the reaction of Joe. A lot of times important players have a bad reaction and think it is a bad decision.

 

"He understood that moment for him to stop, review what he was doing, and that is why his reaction was more important than my decision."

Pellegrini insists it's still an important game against The Old Lady even though City have qualified.

"It is important not to relax and it is important to be in first position in the group - not the most important, as that is to qualify."he said.