Joe Hart has an interesting take on Pep Guardiola's future at Manchester City. The former City goalkeeper reckons his old boss won't be thinking about contracts until the season wraps up. Hart even suggests Guardiola could finish his entire managerial career in Manchester.
Guardiola signed a contract extension back in November 2024 that keeps him at the Etihad until 2027. But recent speculation has raised questions about whether he'll see that deal through. Erling Haaland dropped hints about his manager potentially leaving, and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has reportedly had talks with City about the role.
City are believed to be looking at possible replacements, though no active contract talks are happening right now. Guardiola himself said in May 2025 that he'd be "taking a break" from management when he eventually leaves Manchester.
Could Guardiola Move Behind the Scenes?
Hart, who's set to play in Soccer Aid 2026, shared his thoughts with the Manchester Evening News. He believes Guardiola is so tied to Manchester City that he might not need to manage elsewhere when his touchline days are done.
"I don't think, if and when he leaves Manchester City, it'll be necessary to be on the move," Hart explained. "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."
The former England international suggested Guardiola could transition into a behind-the-scenes role at City. That would keep the 55-year-old's tactical brain involved without the day-to-day pressures of management.
Hart stressed that right now, only one thing matters at the Etihad: winning trophies. "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," he said.
Title Race Heats Up as City Chase Silverware
City currently sit five points behind Arsenal in the Premier League race. The Gunners beat Chelsea 2-1 on Sunday to extend their lead at the top, though they have played one more game than City.
For anyone backing City in the title race or Champions League markets, Guardiola's focus will be crucial in these final months. His commitment to seeing out the season properly should give bettors confidence that there won't be any mid-season distractions.
Guardiola faces massive fixtures ahead. There's an FA Cup clash with Newcastle, a Champions League two-legged showdown with Real Madrid, and a Carabao Cup final against title rivals Arsenal.
The City boss knows it all comes down to mentality now. "With three months left, there are many things that the team have improved and still some things that the team has to improve," Guardiola said in February. "Now it is how it is in your brain and your mind will make the difference."
Hart backed this up, saying contract talks are summer business. "There's way too much to think about to worry about contracts," the former Celtic keeper added. "You can't afford to think about yourself in these moments."
