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Joe Hart reckons Pep Guardiola won't be thinking about any Manchester City contract uncertainty until the season ends. The ex-City goalkeeper thinks the 55-year-old could see out his managerial days in Manchester, with silverware the sole priority at present.

In November 2024, Guardiola penned a contract extension keeping him at the Etihad Stadium through to 2027. Yet, following Erling Haaland's suggestion about his manager's impending departure and former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca holding discussions with City, speculation has only grown.

It's believed City are looking at possible successors as no contract negotiations are currently underway with their existing manager. Guardiola also indicated in May 2025 that he would be "taking a break" from management upon leaving Manchester.

Hart holds a completely different view of the situation surrounding Guardiola. The former England international, who's set to feature at Soccer Aid 2026 at the London Stadium, told the Manchester Evening News about his perspective on his ex-manager's future.

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When asked whether he thinks Guardiola will stay until his contract expires, Hart suggested he could end his coaching journey with City, possibly even transitioning into a behind-the-scenes 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]. 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."

Emphasising how crucial silverware is at City, the former Celtic goalkeeper added: "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."

City find themselves five points adrift of Premier League pacesetters Arsenal following the Gunners' 2-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, which re-extended their advantage at the summit albeit having played a game more.

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Guardiola faces several crucial encounters beyond domestic league action - including an FA Cup tie against Newcastle, a two-legged Champions League battle with Real Madrid, and the Carabao Cup final against their title rivals.

He will be eager to progress in every competition City are competing in and believes his squad's mentality will prove decisive. Speaking about the title race in February, Guardiola said: "There are still things that we should train and practice more but I prioritised rest.

"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