Enzo Maresca has declared his complete trust in Manchester City after addressing the independent commission’s verdict on the club’s alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules for the first time.
The City manager spoke at a press conference on Friday, following the announcement during the international break. City deny wrongdoing and are pursuing an appeal.
“I understand the reason why most of you are here, but the only thing I can say is something that I already said: there is a process ongoing and in this moment I completely trust the club,” Maresca said.
The Italian, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City, said his faith in the people at the club had influenced his decision to take the job.
“I trust the club because I trust the people, this is the reason why I joined the club,” he said. “Then there is not another club in the world where I would like to be. I am very happy, very proud, I said many times since day one.”
Maresca acknowledged the seriousness of the case but insisted that the team must concentrate on its work rather than the surrounding scrutiny.
“We completely understand the seriousness of the situation, we understand, the players understand, but it is our duty, our job, to try to control the noise,” he said. “We are focused on winning games, not something different.”
The 46-year-old also rejected the suggestion that the commission’s findings had tarnished City’s historic treble in the 2022/23 season, when they won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
“Absolutely not,” Maresca said when asked whether the verdict tainted those achievements.
“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.”
Maresca confirmed he had spoken to senior figures at City about the situation. However, he suggested that further discussion should wait until the appeal process concludes.
He also resisted speculation about what might happen if City lose their appeal, pointing out that the outcome remains unknown.
“I think it’s fair from my point of view, all of us, to respect the process; verdict, appeal ongoing, we’ll see what happens,” he said.
City now turn their attention to Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield, as the appeal continues.
