Enzo Maresca defends Man City’s Anfield celebrations after verdict

Enzo Maresca defended his Manchester City side on Sunday after they were accused of over‑celebrating a 3‑0 win at Anfield, despite the club being found guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial rules. The manager insisted the players did nothing wrong and should enjoy their victory.

First half set‑up and financial backdrop

City entered the match having secured their first win since an independent commission ruled they had benefited from more than £900 million in disguised funding and described the sponsorship deals as sham contracts. The verdict sparked speculation that the club could face relegation or expulsion, but Maresca and captain Ruben Dias said the squad remained calm.

Second‑half fireworks and reaction

Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki each scored in the second half, sealing the win at Anfield on Sunday. While pundits and opposition supporters criticised the celebrations on the pitch and in the dressing‑room, Maresca and Dias argued there was no need for an apology.

“Criticised for what? We won 3‑0 at Anfield. What do you want us to do?” Maresca said, adding that the team works every day to win games and that any external noise is irrelevant. He described the side as “so, so, so happy” inside the stadium and the changing room.

Defender Ruben Dias echoed the manager, stating, “I stand by the manager’s words. It’s a win at Anfield, whatever the circumstances. We will celebrate and enjoy it.” He also affirmed the squad’s trust in the club hierarchy despite the guilty verdict and possible penalties.

City are currently appealing the commission’s decision, while Dias became the first player to directly address the ruling, insisting the team will not be distracted by calls of cheating from the Liverpool crowd.

The club’s focus remains on football, with Maresca concluding, “The rest is just things from outside that we need to deal with. We are very calm, very focused, and we will keep winning.”