Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has leaped to the defence of goalkeeper Joe Hart and has claimed that he is still one of the best goalkeepers around.
The Englishman came under heavy criticism this week after his dire showing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday night. A game which they lost 3-1 due to three errors from the shot-stopper.
Despite the sloppy display, both Roy Hodgson and Manuel Pellegrini gave their full backing to the 26-year-old, and now fellow team-mate , Pablo Zabaleta has also given his support to the England international.
“He’s still the best. Right now is not his best moment but this happens.”
“Sometimes Joe Hart – like any player – can make a mistake. Everyone makes mistakes. It is impossible to be at the top level for 60 games a season over many years.
“Maybe sometimes [Lionel] Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo do it.
“But I’ve known Joe Hart for five years and have seen him playing at his best form and know that he is the best. The feeling for me and my team-mates is that, looking at him in the goal, I feel safe.”
“He’s one of the leaders in this group. Before games, he’s very focused and I’m sure that very soon he’ll be back to his best form.”
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
