Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has spoken for the first time since the news of the club’s guilty verdict regarding their long-running legal dispute with the Premier League.
With the international break now over, Maresca held his first collective meeting with the squad to address the fallout from the 115 charges.
According to BBC, Maresca would address the players upon their return to domestic duty after news of the verdicts broke while the majority of the squad were away with their respective nations.
During this crucial meeting, it is understood the City head coach asked his players not to allow the crisis that has engulfed the club to affect their attitude and focus as the Premier League campaign gets back under way this weekend.
Enzo Maresca arrives at the CFA, Manchester. Picture date: Thursday October 8, 2026. (Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images via Getty Images)
One player who seems to understand Maresca’s message is Erling Haaland.
Speaking to Sky Sports before Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, striker Erling Haaland echoed his manager’s sentiments, saying: “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.” The Norwegian forward’s public backing of the club’s culture highlights the strong bond between the players and the local community during this testing period.
As Premier League football returns following a three-week break, rival clubs are proving reluctant to let their managers speak about the City verdict publicly.
City travel to Anfield on Sunday to face Liverpool in a major Premier League test, before returning to the Etihad to host Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain next week.
