• Premier League

Hart and Caballero set for City battle

ESPN staff
July 31, 2014
Joe Hart is relishing the competition that Willy Caballero has brought to Manchester City © Getty Images
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Manchester City goalkeepers Joe Hart and Willy Caballero are both preparing for a battle for the No.1 spot.

England's first choice Hart has welcomed the £6 million arrival of his new rival, who joined City from Malaga earlier in July, and is relishing the competition the Argentine will bring.

"It's great. He is obviously a great keeper. I have seen him play for Malaga. It is nice to meet him and realise what a great guy he is. I am really enjoying working with him," Hart said after City's pre-season draw with Liverpool on Wednesday.

Hart came on as a second-half substitute in his first run out since England's early World Cup exit in Brazil. He was in goal for the deciding penalty shootout, which City eventually lost 3-1.

He said: "[I was] in at the deep end. The manager wasn't too sure whether we were going to be able to play but we managed to persuade him. Willy did a great job [in the] first half and then I came on."

Caballero, 32, worked under City manager Manuel Pellegrini during his time in Spain and said the chance to team up with the Chilean again influenced his decision to move to the Etihad.

He joined City to start games and insists he will put a lot of pressure on Hart. "I know the situation with Joe but I want to fight for this position, I've come to play," Caballero told the Sun. "He is a fantastic goalkeeper but I want to try and take my opportunity.

"It's a challenge for me but City are a big club and it's a big opportunity. I want to try in every way I can to play. Yes, I'm confident. Goalkeepers are a different type and I believe in myself.

"I don't whether I'll play in the cups or other tournaments. I only know that Manuel wanted me. The decision will be down to the coach, the boss. I have trained well and I came here for the best opportunity for my career but I will fight to play.

"This is the right move for me. It was necessary for my career, for my life and for my family. Manuel was a crucial part of me coming to City, knowing him from before and having played for him."

Willy Caballero does not just want to start League Cup games © AP
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