Manchester City's head coach Enzo Maresca has expressed his satisfaction with the team's morale, stating that the "feeling is fantastic" among his players. This comes after the Premier League found the club guilty of 115 charges, including using "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of over £830m. Maresca emphasized that the players are focused on their upcoming match against Liverpool and are not worried about the noise surrounding the club.
The club's international players returned to training on Thursday, nine days after the Premier League published its damning report. Maresca asked his players not to let the crisis affect their attitude and focus as the Premier League campaign resumes. He added that the players trust the club "completely" and are excited about their next two games, particularly being top of the league.
Striker Erling Haaland echoed Maresca's sentiments, saying that the players care deeply about the club and its fans. He emphasized the importance of sticking together and staying positive, despite the current situation. Haaland, who spent his first four years at City, described the club as a "special place" and encouraged his teammates to enjoy the ride and smile.
Other Premier League managers have been cautious in their comments on the City verdict. Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner expressed hope that the process would be completed "as soon as possible," citing his experience with Crystal Palace's demotion from the Europa League to the Conference League in 2025. Glasner emphasized the importance of the integrity of the league and the need for a swift resolution.
Coventry boss Frank Lampard, who played for City in the 2014-15 season, shared his thoughts on the potential impact of stripping City of their titles. He believes that players would not feel they have lost their titles, as they are part of their personal history. Lampard, who won the Premier League three times with Chelsea, suggested that titles should be remembered in the players' minds rather than being displayed physically.
The Premier League has yet to punish City, but there has been little appetite from within the organization and its clubs to take away past titles. BBC Sport has been told that a number of clubs have already taken a clear stance for their managers not to comment on the matter. Leeds head coach Daniel Farke and Newcastle's Matthias Jaissle steered clear of commenting at length on the issue during their press conferences.
City has launched an appeal and maintains its innocence. The club's private communication to those with links to the playing staff has been equally emphatic. Maresca expressed his calmness and trust in the club, while Haaland and other players are focused on their upcoming matches and spreading positivity within the team.
Key points
- Manchester City's head coach Enzo Maresca says the team's morale is high despite being found guilty of financial rule breaches by the Premier League.
