Maresca keeps City on play while echoing owners' line

Enzo Maresca delivered his first public interview since Manchester City were found guilty of virtually all counts of breaching Premier League financial rules, and he did so with a tightly controlled message. The Italian manager addressed a packed media conference of 45 attendees – roughly three times the usual turnout – at the Etihad Campus, signalling that the club still speaks with one voice, for now.

Controlled messaging amid controversy

In a pre‑emptive PR move the day before, Manchester City instructed Maresca to acknowledge the "noise" surrounding the club. When asked whether his response was dismissive of the anger felt towards the club’s cheating, he replied: "I understand the reason why most of you are here but the only thing I can say is that there is a process ongoing and in this moment I completely trust the club."

Confidence despite potential sanctions

Maresca, who previously served as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at City and took charge after a spell at Chelsea, insisted he has no fear of severe punishments. He told the press, "I trust the club because I trust the people, and that is why I joined. There is no other club in the world where I would rather be." He added that the titles won in the 2022/23 triple‑crown season are "not stained at all".

The manager also noted that the club is currently appealing the decision, which includes 115 accusations covering the period from 2009/10 to 2017/18. Possible penalties range from points deductions and transfer bans to expulsion from the Premier League, though the independent commission has said no comparable precedent exists.

When questioned about his future should a severe sanction be imposed, Maresca said he could not comment further, acknowledging the audience’s desire for answers but refusing to speculate.

Overall, the conference demonstrated Maresca’s tight grip on the narrative, aligning closely with the owners’ line while maintaining a calm, confident front amid ongoing investigations.