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EXCLUSIVE: Pep Guardiola is under contract until 2027 but rumours continue to swirl around his Manchester City future, with one of his former players having his say
Joe Hart believes Pep Guardiola won't have any Manchester City contract drama on his mind until the end of the season. The former City goalkeeper is adamant the 55-year-old will finish out his coaching career in Manchester, and the only focus right now is on winning.
In November 2024, Guardiola signed a contract extension that ties him to the Etihad Stadium until 2027. However, after Erling Haaland dropped a hint on his boss's exit and former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca held talks with City, rumours have continued to grow.
It is understood that City are exploring potential replacements as there are no contract talks in place with their current manager. Guardiola also noted in May 2025 that he would be "taking a break" from management once he leaves Manchester.
Hart has a totally different idea of the narrative surrounding Guardiola. The former England international, who is set to appear at Soccer Aid 2026 at the London Stadium, spoke exclusively to the Manchester Evening News about his thoughts on his former manager.
When asked if he believes Guardiola will remain until the end of his contract, Hart hinted that he may end his coaching career with City, potentially even moving into a backroom role. He said: "I don't know. I don’t think, if and when he leaves Manchester City, it'll be necessary to be on the move [elsewhere].
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"He's tied to that club; he absolutely adores that club. And the club adores him. So whatever decisions get made, it will be a joint decision.
"I'm not sure whether he does do the remainder of his contract or whatever, but all they care about at that club right now is trying to win: the Premier League, the FA Cup, the Carabao Cup, the Champions League."
Highlighting the importance of success at City, the ex-Celtic shot stopper said: "There's way too much to think about to worry about contracts, and I'm sure that will be his answer. And it's the truth, you can't afford to think about yourself in these moments.
"You’ve got to think about, as you said, we're in the thick of it. It's a tough title race. You want to keep going, they want to keep pushing. There are the conversations for the summer, I'm sure."
Currently, City are sitting five points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal after the Gunners once again extended their lead at the top of the table with a 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon. Guardiola has some important fixtures coming up outside of the league - including an FA Cup clash against Newcastle, a two-legged Champions League showdown with Real Madrid, and the Carabao Cup final against their title rivals.
He will be keen to continue in every competition City are involved in and believes his squad's mindset will be the difference. Discussing the title race in February, Guardiola said: "There are still things that we should train and practice more but I prioritised rest.
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"With three months left, there are many things that the team have improved and still some things that the team has to improve but now it is [about] the little details. We talk many times about the same concepts and in my point of view now it is how it is in your brain and your mind will make the difference.
"Maybe for the new players it is new but we talk a lot in many meetings for many years that when you arrive in the last three months in all competitions being there everything is here (points to head)."
Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium. Adult tickets start from £20 and juniors from £10: socceraid.org.uk/tickets
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