Hart targets big Pelle send-off

Joe Hart

MANCHESTER City goalkeeper Joe Hart and his team–mates are determined to give manager Manuel Pellegrini the best possible send–off with a trophy–laden end to his reign.

The club announced on Monday that the 62–year–old Chilean will make way for Pep Guardiola in the summer regardless of the team’s success this season - a season that could end with an unprecedented quadruple.

City maintained their challenge for the Barclays Premier League title with a hard–fought 1–0 victory at Sunderland on Tuesday, and now Hart signalled the squad’s intention to ensure Pellegrini goes out with a bang.

He said: “We are a professional group. We really enjoy playing under Manuel. He has been a top manager for us. His man–management has been something that I personally have really enjoyed, so we are going to look to give him the best send–off, what he deserves.”

City have a brief period of calm after a run of nine games in 32 days. Then they host leaders Leicester on Saturday.