Hart says Pellegrini deserves silver send-off

London - Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says that he and his team-mates "love" outgoing manager Manuel Pellegrini and are determined to give him a trophy-laden send-off before Pep Guardiola arrives.

City announced Wednesday that Bayern Munich coach Guardiola will take over from Pellegrini at the end of the season, bringing an end to the Chilean's three-year stay at the Etihad Stadium.

Related: Manchester City confirms Guardiola will succeed Pellegrini at end of season

City are in contention for glory in the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup and Hart says it would be fitting for Pellegrini, 62, to bow out with some silverware in his hands.

"It was never going to be a distraction. We're here to win titles, Manuel's here to win titles," Hart said after Tuesday's 1-0 win at Sunderland, which kept City three points below league leaders Leicester City.

"We back him. We love him as our manager."

Hart added, on CityTV: "He has been a top manager for us. His man-management has been something that I personally have really enjoyed, so we are going to look to give him the best send-off, what he deserves.

"The fans think the world of him, the players think the world of him. We have got however many games left in the league, we are in all competitions.

"Next season will take care of itself. Right now, we are living in the moment. Manuel Pellegrini is our manager and we are going to try to win as many competitions as we can with him."