Key facts
- Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca trusts the club amid its guilty verdict for Premier League financial rule breaches.
- Maresca stated players are focused on football and unaffected by external "noise" surrounding the verdict.
- The club maintains its innocence and has launched an appeal against the ruling.
- Striker Erling Haaland called for unity and positivity, urging supporters to "stick together".
- Former head coach Pep Guardiola expressed unwavering support for the club.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated that the team is focused on football and unaffected by the "noise" surrounding the club's guilty verdict for serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. The team reconvened on Thursday after the international break to prepare for their upcoming match against Liverpool. Maresca expressed his complete trust in the club's position, emphasizing that the team's focus remains solely on controllable aspects of the game. He noted that the players are excited about their current top-of-the-league status and are not worried about off-field matters. Maresca refused to confirm if he would remain as manager should the club lose its appeal against the verdict, stating he would prefer to discuss the situation after the appeal is resolved. Striker Erling Haaland echoed the sentiment of unity, urging everyone associated with the club to "stick together" and remain positive. He expressed his deep care for Manchester City and its fans. Former head coach Pep Guardiola has publicly reaffirmed his support for the club, its hierarchy, players, and supporters, stating they will "get through this together." Maresca denied that the club's numerous honors are tainted by the verdict, citing the effort of players and staff during the treble-winning season. The club maintains its innocence and has launched an appeal against the ruling, which is expected to be heard before Christmas.