Manchester City squad returns to training following financial rule breach verdict
AI Summary
Enzo Maresca says Manchester City players 'don't care about the noise' as they prepare for Liverpool following a guilty verdict for financial rule breaches.
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca and striker Erling Haaland have called for unity as the squad reconvened Thursday for the first time since the club was found guilty of Premier League financial rule breaches.
The Premier League recently published a report stating Manchester City used "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m. While the club maintains its innocence and has launched an appeal, the squad returned to training on Thursday to prepare for Sunday's match against Liverpool. The verdict was made public while most players were away on international duty, and The Guardian reported that players had sought reassurance regarding the club's future during that time.
Manager Enzo Maresca told the club's official website that the atmosphere among the players is "fantastic" and they remain focused on their position at the top of the league table. BBC Sport reported that Maresca addressed the players upon their return, asking them not to let the crisis affect their attitude. Maresca stated that while they understand the "noise" surrounding the club, the players are not worried and are focused only on the football side of the situation.
Striker Erling Haaland urged everyone associated with the club to stick together and stay positive. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Haaland emphasized the need to "spread the love" and continue winning games regardless of off-field developments. The club's staff and players are attempting to show a strong front ahead of their trip to Anfield, which will be their first game in three weeks.
The ongoing legal situation drew a lighthearted comment from Real Madrid coach José Mourinho. According to ESPN, Mourinho joked that he would be lucky to still be around to see the final verdict in the Premier League's case against Manchester City, referencing the potential length of the legal process.
Background
The Premier League brought 115 charges against Manchester City, and the club was recently found guilty of the majority of those breaches. The news broke during an international break, meaning Thursday was the first time the manager and players were able to sit down collectively to discuss the ruling.
How outlets covered it
Get our daily briefing first.
We're starting a short daily email with the stories most outlets are covering. Join the list to get the first one.
Free. No spam.
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation!