Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has issued a defiant defense of the club, declaring his absolute faith in the organization as it battles a historic crisis following a guilty verdict for over 100 breaches of Premier League financial regulations.
In his first press conference since the bombshell ruling last week, Maresca dismissed the growing calls from critics to strip the club of its achievements. An independent commission recently concluded that City had orchestrated “sham” contracts with commercial partners between 2009 and 2018, artificially inflating revenues and suppressing costs by more than £900 million. While the club faces the existential threat of severe points deductions, relegation, or even expulsion from the top flight should their appeal fail, Maresca remains steadfast.
“I completely trust the club,” Maresca said Friday. “I trust the people, and this is the reason why I joined. There is not another club in the world where I would like to be.”
When asked whether the avalanche of silverware won during the Abu Dhabi-backed era—including eight Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy—had been rendered illegitimate by the charges, the Italian was unequivocal. “Absolutely not,” he stated. “I know the effort from the players, from the club, and from the manager during that time, which was Pep [Guardiola]. I know exactly the effort the club put in to achieve those targets.”
Maresca, who joined the club in June after a tenure as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff, insisted that the internal atmosphere remains professional and focused. He noted that while the club is preparing for a high-stakes appeal, the immediate priority is the pitch.
“I spoke with the club, for sure, and we all have trust. The right moment to speak about [the legal issues] is when we win this appeal,” he added.
City currently sits at the summit of the Premier League table, boasting a perfect record of five wins from five games under Maresca’s leadership. However, that momentum faces a stern test this Sunday when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. The match is expected to be played in a volatile atmosphere as fans across England react to the severity of the charges against the reigning champions.
“Probably it will be a warm environment,” Maresca conceded, referencing the anticipated hostility. “But the reason I decided to be a manager is for this kind of game. I’m not worried at all. In this moment, we are top of the league, so the players have every reason to be happy and excited.”
While the legal storm rages in the background, the club continues to look toward its past icons. Guardiola, who stepped down at the end of last season, is set to attend City’s home clash against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Maresca welcomed the return, saying, “After 10 years here, he can come at any time. It would be nice for him, for the fans, and for everyone.”
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