Maresca urges Man City to stay focused and positive after guilty verdict
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has told his players to remain focused and positive as they trained for the first time since the club were found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League. The club's international players returned on Thursday.
- Verdict: City found guilty of the majority of 115 Premier League charges
- First training: International players returned on Thursday, nine days after the damning report
- Next match: Liverpool away on Sunday
- Appeal: City have launched an appeal and publicly maintain their innocence
- Key quote: Erling Haaland says fans should "stick together" and "stay positive"
What was said
"I care a lot about this place. I spent my first four years here, it's a special place for us. I care a lot about City and the fans. I am a fan myself. I feel with them."
"The fans will have a good time on Sunday - we have to stick together. We have to stay with each other and stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to smile. Stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and enjoy the situation."
"We have to stick together and spread the love to each other. Enjoy the ride and smile."
"I think as a manager of another club I am not able to judge and it is not my job. Especially it is not in my job description."
"The authorities are taking care of it, a process will be followed, and speaking on behalf of the whole club it is our job to focus on our job and preparing for [the match against Coventry on] Monday."
"On behalf of the club, we should focus on what we can influence. Just focus on what we can do better and what we can influence on the pitch."
"What can you say when an appeal is going on? I'm not inside the story, I'm outside it completely."
"I played for Man City a long time ago now for one year, but we'll wait and see what the result of the appeal is and onwards. I don't know the timelines at all."
"I'm outside the loop. I'm not dodging the question. I just don't feel it's an answer for me to give."
"It's not my role to talk about a punishment or how much. I just can't answer that one."
Maresca's message was clear: the season must go on. The Italian asked his players not to let the crisis affect their attitude and focus as the Premier League campaign restarts this weekend. It is understood he addressed the squad upon their return from international duty because the verdict broke while most were away.
Haaland's comments struck a similar note. The striker, who has been at the club for four years according to his own words, positioned himself alongside the supporters. His call for unity and positivity is the public face of City's response while their appeal is pending.
Other managers, however, are steering clear. Newcastle's Matthias Jaissle, Coventry's Frank Lampard and Leeds' Daniel Farke all avoided commenting at length on Thursday. Lampard, who played for City in the 2014-15 season, was blunt about his lack of knowledge on the timeline.
Why City's message is all about focus
With the club found guilty of using "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m, the on-pitch challenge is now a psychological one. Maresca's first task is to stop the noise from seeping into the dressing room. He knows City's title defence – and their entire season – hinges on results, not verdicts.
Erling Haaland's words matter more than most. As the focal point of the attack, his mood often sets the tone. By appealing directly to fans, he is trying to keep the atmosphere at the Etihad supportive rather than toxic as the appeal process drags on.
The trip to Liverpool on Sunday is a brutal first test. Anfield will be hostile for reasons that go beyond football. Maresca's players must block out the obvious narrative and produce a performance. If they do, the siege mentality could galvanise them; if they don't, the crisis will grow.
Talking points
- City's players say all the right things, but will their actions match the words at Anfield on Sunday?
- Should rival managers be forced to comment on the verdict, or is their refusal a sign of respect for due process?
- Erling Haaland's public positivity is admirable, but does it risk looking tone-deaf while an appeal is ongoing?
- The £830m secret funding figure is staggering. Will it influence the appeal outcome or is it already a done deal?
What happens next
City travel to Liverpool on Sunday for their first match since the verdict. The result will be scrutinised as much for the team's mental state as for the points. City have appealed, so no sanctions have yet been applied. The coming weeks will define whether Maresca can keep the squad united.
Frequently asked questions
What were Manchester City found guilty of?
They were found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League, including using "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m.
What did Erling Haaland say to Man City fans?
He said: "We have to stick together and spread the love to each other. Enjoy the ride and smile."
Are Man City appealing the verdict?
Yes, City have launched an appeal and have publicly maintained their innocence.
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