Maresca Defends Manchester City’s Historic Achievements Amid Financial Probe

Enzo Maresca has declared that Manchester City’s titles over the past 17 years remain untainted, reinforcing his confidence in the struggling club.

An independent commission this month confirmed 114 of 115 charges brought by the Premier League against City for breaching financial regulations. The club is contesting the decision, insisting on its innocence while the entire league awaits potential sanctions that could intensify the crisis for the eight‑time champions and English football.

During the 2009‑2018 era— when City captured three Premier League crowns—the club was judged to have cut costs artificially and inflated revenues by more than £900 million, chiefly via what the panel called “sham” sponsor deals. In the ensuing years, Guardiola’s side entered one of the sport’s most dominant streaks, securing five of the next six league titles, the 2023 Champions League and five domestic cups.

Maresca, who replaced Guardiola as manager in the summer, was an assistant when City lifted the European trophy as part of a treble‑winning campaign, and he also led the club’s elite development squad from 2020 to 2021.

When asked at his pre‑match press conference before Sunday’s trip to Liverpool whether City’s Guardiola era accomplishments were blemished, Maresca responded they were ‘absolutely not.’ Referencing the treble‑winning season, he said, “The last time I was here was that remarkable campaign. I saw the dedication of the players, the club and Pep Guardiola, and I have no doubt about the effort they put in to achieve those results.”

Maresca launched a decisive defence of the club, stating, “The only thing I can say is that a process is ongoing and I have complete trust in the organisation at this moment.” When questioned about personal assurances from owner Sheikh Mansour, he replied, “I have spoken with the club for sure. We all trust the situation, but the appropriate time to discuss it is when we have secured a successful appeal.”

Maresca also revealed that Guardiola will attend City’s first home match since the verdict, against Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday. “After ten years he can come whenever he wants—whether for a game, a training session, or any moment. It will be great for him, for the fans, and for everyone involved.”

Guardiola declared in May 2022 that he would leave the club if it emerged that City had lied to him. When questioned whether he would act similarly, Maresca said he “would like to discuss that matter once we have won the appeal.” Should the appeal fail, the club could face a substantial fine, a points deduction that would effectively relegate it to the Championship, or even expulsion from the Premier League—an outcome that could drop City as low as the fourth tier or below.

Asked whether he could guarantee staying under such circumstances, Maresca offered a warm smile and alluded to his experience outside the top flight, noting, “I have won a Championship with Leicester, so if we find ourselves in League One, we’ll see what happens. We are thinking about something that we don’t yet know.”

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