Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists Man City titles are not tainted
Enzo Maresca has firmly defended Manchester City’s achievements, insisting the club’s titles are not tainted following an independent commission’s guilty verdict regarding financial rule breaches.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Liverpool at Anfield, the Italian manager maintained full confidence in the Etihad board as the club prepares to appeal the ruling.
Maresca was assistant to Pep Guardiola during City’s treble-winning season in 2022-23 and rejected any suggestion that their trophies have been devalued by off-field matters.
Addressing the squad’s mindset ahead of Sunday, Maresca said:
“We completely understand the seriousness of the situation. We understand, the players understand, but it’s our duty and our job to try to control the noise. The manager and the players are focused on winning games, not about something different.”
Maresca stands by decision to take Etihad job
The Premier League finding found City guilty of financial breaches between 2009 and 2018, leading to questions over their dominance under Abu Dhabi ownership.
However, Maresca insisted he had no second thoughts about stepping into the managerial role at the Etihad Stadium.
When asked if he would still have taken the job knowing the outcome of the investigation, the manager insisted he would still have agreed to join without hesitation.
He emphasised his pride in leading the team, reinforcing his commitment to the Premier League champions despite the uncertainty surrounding their legal appeal.
Speaking on Friday, Maresca said:
“The reason why I joined this club is because I completely trust, 100 per cent, the owner, the CEO, the sporting director, the whole organisation. I don’t have any doubt about that.”
Refusing to doubt treble achievements
The 46-year-old manager worked closely alongside Guardiola during the historic 2022-23 campaign when City lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.
He dismissed suggestions that those honours or any previous silverware were brought into question by the independent commission’s decision.
Reflecting on that success, Maresca said:
“The last time I was here was the Treble season and I know the effort from the players, the club, the manager. I know the effort that the club put to achieve that kind of target so I don’t have any doubt about that.”
Former City captain Vincent Kompany, now managing Bayern Munich, also addressed the situation this week, stating he remains proud of what was accomplished during his 11 years as a player.
Ex-Etihad striker Paul Dickov echoed those sentiments, claiming that the memories created on the pitch could never be stripped away from supporters or squad members.
City maintain that irrefutable evidence exists to prove their innocence as they prepare their formal legal challenge.
Erling Haaland fit to face Liverpool
Alongside his defence of the club’s reputation, Maresca provided a major boost on the pitch regarding top scorer Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian striker had sparked injury concerns after asking to be taken off during international duty with Norway.
However, Maresca confirmed that the forward refreshed himself during the break and is available for selection at Anfield.
The manager reported that Haaland was feeling good after taking a short rest before returning to training.
City head to Merseyside aiming to maintain their perfect start to the campaign and keep their focus strictly on football.
