Manchester, England – In his first press conference since an independent panel released a damning report on Manchester City’s finances, manager Enzo Maresca said he continues to trust the club’s ownership, executives and staff.
“I completely trust the club in this moment, in the future, always,” Maresca told reporters on Friday. “The reason why I joined this club is because I trust 100% the owner, the CEO, the sports director, all the organization, so I have no doubt about that.”
Verdict and club response
The panel concluded that the United Arab Emirates‑backed side committed more than 115 violations of Premier League financial rules, including inflating revenue by over $1 billion to facilitate high‑profile signings. City has denied the findings and lodged an appeal, stating it will address the matter when the appeal is heard.
When asked whether the verdict tarnishes the club’s decade‑long dominance, Maresma replied, “Absolutely not.” He added that his decision to take the job would have been the same even if the verdict had been released earlier.
Focus on the upcoming match
Maresca emphasized that the team’s immediate priority is preparing for the Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. “We understand the seriousness of the situation, but it is our duty to control the noise,” he said. “We can control what happens on the pitch, and that is where our focus lies.”
The manager also noted that both he and the players are aware of the controversy, but they intend to keep their attention on performance rather than external distractions.
Comments from former City player
Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany, who played for City from 2012‑2019, offered a measured response. He said he remains “100% focused” on his duties at Bayern and does not dwell on the club’s off‑field issues, adding that his memories of City are “far removed from my reality at the moment.”
Both Maresca and Kompany underscored the importance of separating on‑field achievements from administrative matters, a stance that aligns with the club’s ongoing appeal process.
Background
Maresca was appointed at the end of last season after Pep Guardiola stepped down following a ten‑year, trophy‑laden tenure. He previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2023 treble‑winning campaign.
The Premier League scandal marks the biggest financial‑rules breach in the competition’s history, and the outcome of City’s appeal could have significant implications for the club’s future operations and transfer strategy.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
