EPL: Man City Players Focused Despite 115-Charge Verdict — Maresca

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says his players are not allowing the controversy surrounding the club’s Premier League financial-rule verdict to distract them as they prepare for Sunday’s clash against Liverpool.

City’s international players returned to training on Thursday, October 8, following the announcement of the findings by an independent commission. The ruling concerns alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018.

Maresca said the squad remained in positive spirits and was concentrating on matters within its control, particularly the team’s performance on the pitch.

“The feeling is fantastic, to be honest,” Maresca said, adding that the players were excited about their upcoming matches.

He explained that the squad understood the attention surrounding the case but was determined to focus on football rather than external criticism.

“They know their profession and they know that the noise is there, but they don’t care too much about the noise,” he said.

Maresca also expressed confidence in the club’s leadership, saying he was calm about the situation and that the club had communicated its position clearly.

Manchester City have consistently denied wrongdoing and lodged an appeal against the commission’s findings. The club maintains that it has evidence supporting its position, while the appeal process will determine whether the verdict stands.

The case relates to alleged financial-rule violations during a nine-year period, including claims involving sponsorship arrangements and the reporting of revenue. The findings have raised questions about potential sporting and financial sanctions, although the final consequences remain subject to the relevant proceedings.

City’s immediate priority is their Premier League trip to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, October 11. The match will be their first league fixture since the verdict was announced and is expected to attract significant attention amid the controversy.

Maresca called for unity among the club’s players, staff, owners and supporters, arguing that cooperation across the organisation had contributed to its success in recent years.

Striker Erling Haaland has also urged those connected with City to stand together during the difficult period, emphasising the importance of supporting one another.

City will subsequently turn their attention to a Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain as they seek to maintain their competitive momentum while the appeal continues.