Maresca: Man City "going to win the appeal" after guilty verdict

Enzo Maresca has declared Manchester City will win their appeal against an independent commission's guilty verdict, speaking for the first time since the ruling. The Italian addressed the media before Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool and insisted he fully trusts the club's hierarchy to clear their name.

  • Fixture: Liverpool vs Manchester City, Premier League, Sunday, Anfield
  • Verdict: Independent commission found City guilty of all charges over financial rule breaches between 2009/10 and 2017/18
  • Key claim: Maresca says the owners are convinced they will win the appeal
  • Context: Maresca replaced Pep Guardiola as head coach this summer
  • Standing: City have won all five league games and sit top of the table

What was said

"I completely trust 100 per cent, the owner, the sporting director, the CEO - all the organisation. I have no doubt about that."

— Enzo Maresca, on his decision to join the club

"I spoke with the club for sure. We all trust it. The right moment to speak about that is when we're going to win this appeal."

— Enzo Maresca, on the charges and the appeal

"I know the organisation from years ago. I know how serious they are. I know they do the right things."

— Enzo Maresca, when asked if he would still have joined had the verdict come earlier

"No, we didn't speak about that. I didn't think that was a problem for the club at that time. Also, because they are thinking in an honest way."

— Enzo Maresca, on whether the charges were raised in talks

"I think they are convinced that in the end we will win the appeal."

— Enzo Maresca, on the club's owners

"The right time to speak is when we win the appeal."

— Enzo Maresca, on maintaining focus

Maresca's 15-minute press conference was a masterclass in deflection, according to Sky Sports News' Kaveh Solhekol. He said: "Man City will be delighted with the way he handled that. It is not good news for journalists because we didn't really get a moment." Solhekol added that Maresca was relaxed and smiling, not looking like someone cornered.

The head coach repeatedly refused to be drawn on the specifics of the commission's findings, which found that between 2009/10 and 2017/18 City arranged "sham" contracts with commercial partners as part of a "disguised funding scheme" to artificially inflate revenues by £830m. Instead, he kept to a script of trust and unity, insisting the focus must remain on the pitch.

The numbers

  • £830m: the amount by which the commission found City artificially inflated revenues
  • 2009/10 to 2017/18: the period covered by the charges
  • 5 wins from 5: City's perfect start to the Premier League season
  • 3 draws from 5: Liverpool's record under Andoni Iraola

Why Maresca's calm approach is the only option

With City top of the table on a perfect five-win start, Maresca's priority is to shield his players from the noise. The verdict has created a media storm, but the Italian understands that any emotional reaction could distract from the task at hand: beating Liverpool at Anfield. His insistence on trust in the ownership is a calculated move to keep the dressing room united.

Tactically, City will need that unity on Sunday. Anfield is famous for its atmosphere, and Sky Sports' Adam Bate notes that the mood awaiting City will be unique given the verdict. Liverpool, unbeaten under Andoni Iraola but with three draws from five, will view this as a big test of their title credentials. Maresca's call for his players to "stick together" is a direct response to the hostile environment they will face.

The appeal process will run in the background, but for now, Maresca wants his squad focused on the controllables. With City's achievements under scrutiny, a win at Anfield would be a powerful statement on the pitch, regardless of the legal battle off it.

Talking points

  • Should Maresca have faced the media, or was this a job for the chairman or CEO? His handling suggests the club wants a football-first message.
  • Can City's perfect start survive the Anfield cauldron? The atmosphere will be even more charged than usual, testing their mental strength.
  • If the appeal fails, what then? Maresca's insistence on winning suggests the club is prepared for a long fight.
  • Does the verdict taint City's on-field achievements? Maresca says "absolutely not", but rival fans will disagree.

What happens next

City travel to Liverpool on Sunday for a Premier League clash that will be about more than just three points. The result will shape the early title race, with City currently top and Liverpool looking to close the gap. Maresca's players must block out the external pressure and deliver a performance that justifies their manager's faith.

Frequently asked questions

What did Enzo Maresca say about Manchester City's appeal?

He said he "100 per cent completely trusts" the club's hierarchy and believes "we're going to win the appeal".

What were Manchester City found guilty of?

An independent commission found that between 2009/10 and 2017/18, City arranged "sham" contracts with commercial partners to artificially inflate revenues by £830m.

When is Liverpool vs Manchester City?

The match takes place on Sunday at Anfield, with City defending a perfect record of five wins from five.

Filed under: Manager News | LA Premier League Home