Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that the club's titles are "absolutely not" tainted following the independent commission's verdict that found Manchester City guilty of the majority of the 115 charges against them regarding breaches of Premier League financial regulations from the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. Maresca expressed his confidence in the club’s ownership and his belief that they will successfully appeal the decision during a press conference on Friday filled with inquiries about the ruling.
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The commission concluded that Manchester City had engaged in 'sham' contracts and presented misleading accounts to conceal secret funding exceeding £830 million. The club has since appealed the ruling, asserting it includes "clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe."
As the team prepares to face Liverpool in their first match since the verdict was announced, Maresca conveyed a positive atmosphere among the players, stating they are unfazed by "the noise" surrounding the club. He emphasized his complete trust in the club’s leadership, including the owner, CEO, and sporting director.
Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in June, is currently in his third tenure with Manchester City after previously working with the academy and as Guardiola's assistant during the Treble-winning 2022-23 season. He has won all five of his league matches in charge and may become the fourth manager in Premier League history to secure six consecutive wins to start his tenure if successful against Liverpool.
The atmosphere at Anfield is expected to be hostile due to the recent verdict. Maresca acknowledged the challenge posed by the environment but emphasized the need for his players to remain focused on the game.
He confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit to play against Liverpool after returning from international duty. Maresca also noted that he was not informed about the independent commission's findings during discussions about taking the managerial position and insisted he would have accepted the role regardless of the ruling's timeline.
Various football figures, including Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany and Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, commented on the situation, stressing the importance of respecting the ongoing appeal process. Kompany, a former Manchester City captain, reflected on his pride in the club's achievements on the pitch, while Arteta reiterated the need to focus on their responsibilities until the matter is resolved.
Liverpool's Andoni Iraola and Chelsea's Xabi Alonso urged for patience as Manchester City's appeal develops. Everton manager David Moyes and Nottingham Forest's Oliver Glasner also weighed in on the broader implications of such breaches in financial regulations within the Premier League.