Enzo Maresca has forcefully rejected claims that Manchester City's trophy haul is tainted after an independent commission found the club guilty of 114 breaches of Premier League financial regulations. Speaking in his Friday press conference ahead of Sunday's clash against Liverpool, the Manchester City manager insisted he maintains total trust in the club's leadership and expressed conviction that the findings will be overturned on appeal. Maresca, who took charge at the Etihad Stadium in June following the departure of Pep Guardiola, pointed directly to his time on the coaching staff during the historic 2022–23 Treble-winning campaign as proof of the legitimate work behind City's success.
Defending the Treble and the Etihad trophy cabinet
The independent commission’s ruling concluded a multi-year investigation into Manchester City's financial affairs, upholding charges covering the 2009–10 through 2017–18 campaigns. The findings cited misleading financial disclosures and secret owner funding across that timeframe. City have maintained their innocence and lodged an immediate appeal, arguing that the panel's decision contained critical legal and factual errors.
Asked directly on Friday whether the club's eight Premier League titles and continental honours now carried an asterisk, Maresca gave an unequivocal response. "Absolutely not," the Italian said. "The last time I was here was the treble season [2022–23]. I know the effort from the players, from the club, from the manager in that time, that was Pep. So I know exactly the effort that the club put to achieve that kind of target. So I don't have any doubt about that."
Maresca was pressed repeatedly on how the verdict impacts his position and whether severe penalties—including potential points deductions or expulsion—would alter his commitment. While his predecessor Guardiola had once noted he would walk away if executives lied to him, Maresca chose to emphasize his confidence in chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and the executive team. "I completely trust this club in this moment, in the future—always," Maresca said. "I trust the club because I trust the people. That is why I joined the club."
Focus shifts to Anfield amid an off-pitch storm
The press conference marked the first time Maresca faced reporters since the guilty verdict surfaced, but the manager insisted that dressing room focus has not wavered. Manchester City travel to Merseyside sitting at the top of the Premier League table after an unblemished opening run. Maresca reported that the squad trained normally during the international break, unaffected by the legal storm brewing outside the training ground.
Sunday’s match presents a severe tactical test against an Anfield crowd primed to make the verdict felt from the stands. Liverpool, now managed by Andoni Iraola, will be looking to derail City's momentum despite their own squad concerns, with forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo ruled out through injury. Maresca maintained that his players possess the pedigree to handle a hostile atmosphere, stressing that their sole obligation is to perform between the white lines.
What the numbers say
Ahead of Liverpool vs Manchester City on Sunday, 11 Oct 2026 at 15:30 UTC, Matchwise's statistical model (STT, market-blended Dixon-Coles) establishes Manchester City as favourites away from home. The model gives Manchester City a 45% win probability, compared to 32% for a Liverpool victory and 23% for a draw.
In terms of attacking output, the model projects expected goals of Liverpool 1.14 – 1.49 Manchester City, identifying a 0-1 away win as the most likely full-time score. Across total scoring metrics, the model evaluates over 2.5 goals at 57% and both teams to score at 57%. These metrics reflect City's superior underlying chance creation in league play, though they remain statistical probabilities rather than certainties for how Sunday's fixture will ultimately finish.
Why was Manchester City found guilty by the Premier League?
An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 of 115 financial charges related to reporting breaches between 2009–10 and 2017–18, primarily concerning undisclosed funding and inaccurate financial filings. Manchester City deny all charges and have lodged an official appeal.
What did Enzo Maresca say about Manchester City's appeal?
Enzo Maresca stated he has complete faith in the club's board and expects City to overturn the verdict during the appeal process, dismissing suggestions that past honours were compromised by administrative allegations.
