Defiant Enzo Maresca backs Man City despite Premier League ruling

Enzo Maresca, the 46‑year‑old Italian appointed manager of Manchester City, addressed the press on Friday morning and declared there is no club in the world he would rather be at, even though the Premier League has found the club guilty of 114 financial‑rule breaches.

Maresca signed a three‑year deal at the Etihad Stadium in the summer and personally paid compensation to Chelsea after discussions about potentially replacing Pep Guardiola while still employed at Stamford Bridge. He confirmed the agreement was finalised before the verdict was announced.

Maresca's defiant stance

“I trust the people and that is why I am here,” Maresca said. “There is no other club in the world where I would like to be.” He added that he would have taken the job “one hundred percent” even if the independent commission had already ruled against the club on the 114 charges.

Maresca insisted he believes the club will win its appeal and that the judgment does not tarnish recent triumphs. He warned that, should the appeal fail, City could face expulsion from the Premier League or points deductions that might force relegation to League One. He recalled Pep Guardiola’s promise to stay even if the Citizens dropped to the third tier, and said he would remain in the same circumstance.

Maresca ignores City scandal, focuses on Liverpool duel

City’s schedule amid legal cloud

The Premier League released a 40‑page statement confirming City inflated its finances by over £900 million between 2009 and 2018 and were found guilty of all 114 charges. During that period the club secured three Premier League titles, including its first under Guardiola. Maresca now faces a busy programme, travelling to Liverpool on 11 October, then hosting Paris Saint‑Germain in the Champions League on 14 October, before league games against Ipswich on 17 October, AEK Athens on 20 October and Aston Villa on 24 October.

Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant in the treble‑winning 2022‑23 season, when City captured the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. He also guided Leicester to the Championship title earlier in his career. He insisted the club’s recent successes are “absolutely not” damaged by the financial ruling, citing the effort of the players, staff and Guardiola.

Manchester City ready for Liverpool as Enzo Maresca faces media test

The manager said he will speak publicly once the appeal is won, reaffirming his confidence in the organisation and his desire to continue delivering trophies. He reiterated that his trust in the club’s people remains unchanged. Maresca’s unwavering commitment adds another layer to the club’s battle on and off the pitch.