Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca addressed reporters Friday for the first time since an independent commission issued a sweeping guilty verdict against the club regarding Premier League financial regulations, asserting his complete confidence that the team will win its appeal.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match against Liverpool at Anfield, the 46-year-old Italian coach insisted that the ruling has not altered his commitment to the organization. Maresca, who took over from Pep Guardiola during the summer after previously serving as his assistant, stated that he fully trusts the club’s leadership and expects the sanctions to be overturned.
Defending the club and past honors
The commission delivered its findings during the recent international break following an inquiry that lasted more than two years. According to Sports Illustrated, the panel concluded that Manchester City artificially inflated revenues and lowered costs by more than 900 million pounds, or roughly 1.2 billion dollars, between the 2009–10 and 2017–18 seasons. Other outlets, including EPL Index and All Out Soccer, reported that the club was found guilty of 114 of 115 charges for disguising more than 830 million pounds in secret funding using sham agreements.
Potential consequences could extend as far as relegation from the Premier League or an enforced sale, Sports Illustrated reported. The club has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that evidence will clear its name during an appeal process that must conclude by Jan. 23, 2027.
Maresca firmly brushed aside any suggestion that City’s past honors, including the 2022–23 treble campaign in which he participated as an assistant coach, have been diminished by the verdict.
“Absolutely not,” Maresca told reporters, according to OneFootball. “The last time I was here was the treble season. I know the effort from the players, club, the manager at that time, Pep, so I know the effort that was needed to make that achievement.”
Trust in the hierarchy
Maresca emphasized that his faith in team executives was the main reason he accepted the head coaching role. He confirmed that he had spoken with top management following the decision but argued that extensive public debate should wait.
“I spoke with the club for sure, we all trust and probably the right moment to speak about that is when we are going to win this appeal,” Maresca said, as reported by OneFootball. When asked about the prospect of facing severe penalties such as relegation, Maresca reiterated his dedication to the post, stating, “there is not another club in the world where I would like to be.”
The manager acknowledged that he has kept his personal focus strictly on tactical and sporting duties rather than reviewing the commission’s extensive documentation. “I’m not thinking about different things,” Maresca said, according to Sports Illustrated. “I just focus on the things I control which is the football side.”
Looking ahead to Liverpool
The dressing room remains settled despite outside scrutiny, according to the manager. City currently sits atop the Premier League table and faces a critical test against Liverpool this weekend.
Striker Erling Haaland mirrored his coach’s calm outlook, stressing team unity amid the ongoing legal developments. “The fans will have a good time on Sunday, we have to stick together,” Haaland said, as reported by EPL Index. “No matter what happens in life, we always have to smile. Stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games.”
Guardiola is scheduled to attend City’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, Maresca noted. What remains unresolved is the outcome of City’s formal appeal, which will determine whether the commission’s findings and any resulting penalties will ultimately stand.
