Pep Guardiola has reflected that one of his most regrettable decisions during his early years at Manchester City was dropping goalkeeper Joe Hart from his plans.
The Decision
When Guardiola took charge of Manchester City in 2016, he began reshaping the squad to suit his tactical approach, which placed strong emphasis on goalkeepers being comfortable with the ball at their feet.
As a result, Joe Hart—who was England’s first-choice keeper and a key figure at City—was sidelined, sent out on loan, and later sold permanently.
He was replaced by goalkeepers who better matched Guardiola’s system-focused style of play.
Guardiola’s Reflection
Guardiola has since admitted that, while the decision made sense tactically at the time, the way Hart’s exit was handled is something he now views with regret. He acknowledged that it was a difficult situation involving an important and respected player at the club.
Why It Drew Attention
The move sparked widespread debate because:
- Hart was a long-standing and popular Manchester City player
- He was England’s top goalkeeper during that period
- His departure represented a major shift in the club’s direction under Guardiola
- Fans were split over whether the change was justified
The situation highlighted Guardiola’s willingness to make bold decisions in order to implement his football philosophy.
Effect on Manchester City
Following Hart’s departure, Manchester City signed goalkeepers better suited to Guardiola’s playing style, which helped the team evolve into a dominant force in English football.
Even with the club’s later success, the episode remains one of the few decisions Guardiola has openly described as a personal regret.
Although Pep Guardiola has enjoyed major achievements at Manchester City, the exit of Joe Hart stands out as a rare moment he looks back on with regret. It reflects the difficult trade-offs involved in reshaping a top football club.