Thursday, 25 August 2016

New Man City goalkeeper Bravo is under pressure right from the start


The new Manchester City keeper will be under intense scrutiny from his own fans as well as Sky cameras when he makes his debut 

 

Bravo faces a baptism of fire for City
As the affection and respect for Joe Hart cascaded down from the stands at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, at least one man may have been shifting uncomfortably in his seat.
It wasn't Pep Guardiola , who has the courage of his convictions, and who was entirely wrapped up in guiding his Manchester City team into the Champions League group stages, in any case.
But Claudio Bravo , who only flew into Manchester the day before and is expected to complete his move shortly, might have wondered what he has let himself in for.
If he makes his debut against West Ham in front of the same home fans on Sunday, he will be under intense scrutiny from the off.
Every time he uses his feet, the outcome will be judged – and if he isn't a kind of goalkeeping Andres Iniesta, he will face media judgment and fan scepticism.
Hart looks to have made his final appearance for City
Hart looks to have made his final appearance for City
The Blues fans struck exactly the right note with Hart on Wednesday – they expressed their love and appreciation for everything he has done, without criticising the manager.
The nearest anyone came to questioning Pep's decision was the South Stand banner reading “A good Hart these days is hard to find”, but even that fell short of being critical.
There was never going to be a repeat of the 2013 FA Cup final, when some fans angry at the impending departure of the adored Roberto Mancini, sang “You can stick your Pellegrini up your a***!”
After all, it is not Bravo's fault that he has arrived in the middle of a teary parting of the ways.
Bravo will be the joint smallest goalkeeper in the Premier League
Bravo will be the joint smallest goalkeeper in the Premier League
He is bound to be held up against the yardstick of Hart, and as the equal smallest keeper in the Premier League at a touch over six feet – with another former Blue Shay Given – he will need to adapt quickly.
Fans will not be so forgiving if he throws one into his own net against the Hammers, especially with the heartstrings still twanging from Hart's emotional appearance.
Guardiola has had a great start to life as City boss with four wins from four, 12 goals scored and two conceded, and the supporters have quickly laid down their approval by adopting the Sixties song “Glad All Over” to “Guar-di-ola”.

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