Mancini: I have no problem with dropping Joe Hart

Mancini: I have no problem with dropping Hart

Nov 17, 2012 2:45:00 PM

The Manchester City manager has sent out at warning to his goalkeeper, insisting that his position as number one is under threat, just like any other member of his squad

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has warned England international Joe Hart that he is not afraid to drop him if he fails to perform to the high level which he expects of his squad.

The goalkeeper has received criticism for his inconsistent showings of late, including a heroic performance against Borussia Dortmund, mixed with an unimpressive display for his country against Sweden.

"For me he is the first choice but if he does not play well I will change. I don't have any problem [with that]," Mancini told reporters.

"Joe is like Mario Balotelli, like all the other players. For England I think it will be the same. If he does not play well maybe the manager can change the keeper.

"Costel Pantilimon is a good keeper and if Joe does not play well for five or six games, probably I can change the keeper. This is normal.

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"But I trust totally in Joe, for me he is the best keeper in England. I am sure that he will make some mistakes sometimes, this is a keeper's life.

"If a keeper makes a mistake, you concede a goal and you lose. If the striker doesn't score a goal, the game can finish 0-0."

However, Mancini's decision will not be entirely reflective on his mid-week performance.

"Ibrahimovic can score against every keeper," he added. "Ibrahimovic for me is one of the top five strikers in the world."

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