Pep Guardiola Man City contract latest - APT victory and 115 charges stance

Manchester City secured a major victory over the Premier League in proving that the league's Associated Party Transaction rules were unlawful this week.

The implications of the ruling continue, with City reportedly sending a letter to their other Premier League clubs criticising the league's statement on the tribunal's verdict. City fans are enjoying their club's victory, and questions will soon turn to what it actually means moving forward.

There is the prospect of City claiming damages from the Premier League, and clubs will wait to see what form the APT regulations will take after they were found to be against UK competition law.

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Closer to home, there is no direct relationship between the verdict and the club's current hearing to defend their 115 alleged breaches of separate financial rules by the Premier League. In that respect, it's hard to connect the verdict to Pep Guardiola's future as well - especially as he has always distanced himself from questions about his future when they are connected to the charges. The expectation remains that he is more likely to leave than sign a new contract.

But Guardiola did declare himself as 'part of the club' when asked last week if he felt a need to defend City in public as they battle the Premier League in the courtroom and seek to clear their name in public. He has been talking about City's schedule next season as if it affects him personally (although he is also be speaking on behalf of his players).

"I am part of this club. It is deep inside my bones," he said. "The best way to defend the club is winning games. We cannot misunderstand the reason I'm here. At the same time I'm the person who talks more through the media and sends message to fans or wherever. Of course I want to defend my club.

"I trust the owners, especially the chairman for the relationship, and CEO's and everyone working here for many years. I know them well, more than any of you. For the people around, but the best way to defend is do our job the best. Everyone working here has their responsibility. My responsibility is to hold my players hands and together win games.

"The rest, there are situations in eight, nine years there, some expected, some tough to deal. No complaints and do what you have to do. Of course, I'm part of this club, I love this club and always will be this way. Cannot be different for the way they treat me since day one. It's impossible, when you give something and they give me a lot. The rest is the consequences."

So with Guardiola's defence of City prior to the APT verdict, it could be inferred that courtroom decisions will not change his decision over his future. He insists he will decide on his terms, and on footballing terms.

All City can do is wait for him to finalise his plans and let them now. It's business as usual until them despite a big win off the field this week.