Maresca insists Man City’s titles are not tainted amid 115-charge verdict

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended the club’s achievements following an independent commission’s ruling that found the Premier League champions guilty of the majority of charges relating to alleged financial rule breaches, Sport360NG reports. 

The Italian expressed confidence in the club’s ownership and leadership, insisting he had no doubts about their position as City prepare to appeal against the verdict.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Maresca firmly rejected suggestions that the club’s titles had been compromised by the findings, stressing that he understood the work and commitment involved in winning them.

“Absolutely not,” he said when asked whether City’s trophies had been tainted by the ruling.

The case concerns alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. City have consistently denied wrongdoing and have challenged the commission’s decision, arguing that its findings contain significant errors of law, principle and fact.

Maresca Backs City Leadership Over Appeal

Maresca reiterated his trust in Manchester City’s hierarchy, including the club’s owner, chief executive and sporting director, saying he remained convinced that the appeal process would vindicate the club’s position.

“The reason I joined this club is that I completely trust, 100 per cent, the owner, the CEO, the sporting director, all the organisation. So I don’t have doubt about that,” he said.

The former Chelsea and Leicester City manager added that he had discussed the situation with the club but preferred to wait for the outcome of the appeal before making further comments.

He also maintained that the allegations were not a significant subject during negotiations over his appointment in the summer.

According to Maresca, he would still have accepted the Manchester City job even if the commission’s findings had been published before an agreement was reached.

“I think they are convinced that in the end we are going to win the appeal,” he added.

City’s appeal means the matter remains unresolved, with the club continuing to contest the commission’s conclusions.

Focus Shifts to Liverpool Clash at Anfield

Despite the controversy surrounding the club, Maresca insisted that his players remained focused on football ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool.

The fixture will be City’s first since the verdict was announced, with the manager anticipating a difficult atmosphere at Anfield.

Maresca acknowledged that the ruling could intensify the hostility directed towards his side but challenged his players to concentrate on their performance.

“It will be a tough game, for sure. We need to be ready, the focus needs to be about the game, but we know the environment at Anfield,” he said.

“It probably will be worse because of the situation but, again, it will be our duty to do our best and try to win the game.”

He added that matches of such magnitude were among the reasons he wanted to become a manager.

Maresca, who succeeded Pep Guardiola in June, has made an impressive start to his tenure, winning each of his first five Premier League matches in charge.

Victory over Liverpool would make him the fourth manager to win his opening six games in charge of a club in the competition.

The City boss also confirmed that striker Erling Haaland was ready to feature against Liverpool after recovering from his international commitments with Norway in Marbella.

Kompany, Arteta Respond to City Verdict

Former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany also addressed the controversy, emphasising his pride in the achievements he experienced during 11 years at the club.

The Bayern Munich manager, who won several honours during his playing career at the Etihad Stadium, said his focus was on what the team accomplished on the pitch.

“I played 11 years for the club and I’ve loved all the years I’ve played for the club. Everything we’ve achieved and done on the pitch I’m really proud of,” Kompany said.

“Everything else, as a player you’re not a part of that. Right now, as a coach of Bayern Munich, I’m not too occupied with that topic.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who previously worked as Guardiola’s assistant at City, similarly rejected claims that the club’s trophies had been tainted.

Arteta said he continued to trust the club’s leadership while acknowledging that the legal process was still ongoing following the appeal.

“I trust the club now, in the future, always. I completely trust the club,” he said.

The Spaniard added that the process needed to be respected until a final resolution was reached.

Premier League Managers Call for Patience

Other Premier League managers urged patience as Manchester City challenge the findings of the independent commission.

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola expressed concern about the uncertainty surrounding the case, arguing that a prolonged period without a definitive outcome was undesirable for everyone involved.

However, he stressed that the process needed to run its course before conclusions could be drawn.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso also called for the independent panel’s process to be respected, saying the final outcome would depend on the relevant authorities.

“We need to wait for the final sanctions from the panel. I think they are independent enough to assess all the situations,” Alonso said.

“We have to be patient for sure. It is out of our hands, we have to respect the independence of the panel and see what happens.”

Manchester City’s appeal now remains central to the case, with the outcome expected to determine the next stage of the dispute over the club’s alleged financial breaches.