City Enzo Maresca declares confidence despite £900 million breach

In the bustling press room at the Etihad on Friday 9 October, City Enzo Maresca told reporters he has “total confidence in the club”, even as an independent commission has branded Manchester City guilty of more than a hundred Premier League financial breaches. Esta is his first public appearance since the commission’s findings were released.

Financial verdict and possible penalties

The commission concluded the club used fictitious commercial contracts to inflate revenue and cut costs by more than £900 million between 2009 and 2018. It found the club responsible for over a hundred breaches of Premier League financial rules. Sanctions could range from a points deduction to outright expulsion from the Premier League.

Maresca reiterated his belief in the organisation, stating, “The reason I joined this club is that I have total confidence, one hundred percent, in the owners, the executive director, the sporting director and the whole organisation.” He added, “I have no doubt about that.” The Italian coach replaced Pep Guardiola after the Catalan left at the end of the previous season.

Team performance and upcoming clash

Manchester City sit atop the Premier League with a perfect record – fifteen points from five rounds – and will travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool. The unbeaten run underscores the squad’s on‑field success despite the off‑field turmoil.

When asked about the club’s trophies, Maresca dismissed any suggestion they are tainted, saying “Absolutely not.” He highlighted his own medals from the 2022‑23 treble season, when he served as Guardiola’s assistant. He noted that the independent panel initially spoke of 115 charges, while the final verdict found 114 breaches.

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Appeal stance and personal resolve

Maresca said he will address the situation further once the appeal is won, and he would remain at the club even if it were relegated. He recalled winning the Championship with Leicester, implying he could guide City through a lower‑division spell. He described the squad as 20‑25‑year‑old players who train happily and enjoy their success.

The former manager Pep Guardiola is set to return for Wednesday’s Champions League tie against Paris Saint‑Germain. Maresca remarked, “After ten years here, he can come anytime he wants,” signalling a warm welcome for the club’s most successful coach.

Club’s ownership and investment legacy

Since 2008, Manchester City has been owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. Under his backing the club has claimed eight Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League, thanks to massive investment in player recruitment.

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City continues to assert its innocence and has appealed the commission’s decision. Maresca summed up the club’s stance: “We completely understand the seriousness of the situation,” while insisting the organisation remains united and confident for the future.