Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca stated on Friday that he has absolute faith the club will win its upcoming appeal after being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial regulations. Speaking during his first press conference since the major announcement, the Italian manager firmly dismissed any notion that the team's extensive collection of silverware won over the past 15 years has been compromised by the ruling.
Maresca emphasized his total trust in the leadership and organizational structure of the club, noting that this confidence was a primary factor in his decision to take the job. An independent commission recently concluded that City used fabricated contracts with commercial partners to artificially boost revenues and lower costs by over 900 million pounds across a nine-season span. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing and is actively pursuing an appeal against the decision.
While an unsuccessful appeal could potentially result in severe points deductions, relegation, or expulsion from the Premier League, Maresca remains unperturbed. He noted that he has discussed the situation with club officials and that everyone shares a unified sense of optimism regarding the eventual outcome of the legal process.
Reflecting on the club's dominant era following the 2008 Abu Dhabi-backed takeover, which included multiple league titles and a Champions League trophy, Maresca rejected claims that these achievements are tarnished. He pointed to the immense dedication shown by the players, the organization, and former manager Pep Guardiola during those campaigns.
Looking ahead, City prepares to face Liverpool away as they return to domestic action following the verdict. Meanwhile, Guardiola is expected to make his first return to the Etihad Stadium for an upcoming fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, a visit Maresca welcomed for both the fans and the former boss.
Maresca acknowledged that his squad might face a hostile atmosphere away from home due to the ongoing off-field developments, but he maintained that the players are focused entirely on their performances. Having won all five of their opening league fixtures this season, the manager stated that the team remains upbeat and motivated as they head into high-stakes competition.