Maresca Urges Manchester City Unity After 115-Charge Verdict
Enzo Maresca has urged Manchester City’s players to remain calm, united and focused after the squad reunited at the City Football Academy following the Premier League verdict on the club’s 115 charges.
What we know
- City were found guilty on most of the 115 allegations brought by the Premier League. The findings said “sham” agreements were used to conceal more than £830m in funding across nine years.
- Many of City’s players were on international duty when the verdict emerged. Their return to training on Thursday came nine days after the report was published.
- Maresca told the group not to let the off-field situation affect their mentality as the league resumes following a three-week break.
- Erling Haaland has publicly backed the club and its supporters. The striker said City is a special place to him after four years there, and called on players and fans to stay together, look forward and keep trying to win matches.
- Other Premier League managers have largely avoided detailed comment. Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle said the matter belongs with the authorities and that his club must concentrate on preparation for Monday’s match against Coventry. Frank Lampard and Daniel Farke also declined to speak at length.
Next step: Liverpool away, then PSG at home
City return to Premier League action at Liverpool on Sunday, with Anfield providing an immediate test of Maresca’s call for concentration. The team then host Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad next week.
Those two fixtures arrive while the club faces intense scrutiny away from the pitch. Maresca’s priority is clear: keep his players locked on the matches they can still influence.
