Behind the Scenes: Joe Hart’s Experience as Champions League Co-Commentator

Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart has provided a fascinating glimpse into his new career as a Champions League co-commentator. Since retiring from professional football last summer, Hart has been working with TNT Sports, offering expert analysis during Celtic’s Champions League matches.

Hart recently shared his experiences from the commentary gantry during Celtic’s 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their group stage play-off. He revealed the array of technology at his disposal, including multiple screens for analyzing different aspects of the game and a special monitor dedicated to VAR decisions.

One interesting piece of equipment Hart highlighted was an audio control box that allows him to adjust the volume levels of various audio feeds. This enables him to focus on producer instructions, in-house commentary, or the atmosphere from the crowd as needed.

Reflecting on his first season in this new role, Hart admitted he’s still learning the ropes but is thoroughly enjoying the experience. He emphasized the importance of knowing when to speak and when to let the lead commentator take charge, particularly during key moments of play.

“As a co-commentator, I’ve learned that it’s often best to save my input for replays and analysis of what’s just happened,” Hart explained. “There’s a lot to juggle, especially being new to this, but I’m excited to keep improving and developing in this role.”

Hart also shared a humorous lesson learned about the practicalities of live broadcasting, noting that he now knows to be more mindful of his fluid intake before matches to avoid any uncomfortable situations during the final minutes of a game.

As he continues to gain experience, Hart hopes to refine his skills and become an even more effective voice in the commentary box, bringing his years of top-level football experience to viewers in a new and engaging way.