Enzo Maresca Has No Regrets Joining Manchester City Despite Guilty Verdict

Maresca Stands Firm

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended his decision to take the top job at the club. Speaking to reporters for the first time since City was found guilty of breaching financial rules, the 46-year-old Italian was defiant throughout. He arrived early to the news conference, smiled as he sat down, and answered questions for just under 16 minutes.

When asked if he would still have agreed to succeed Pep Guardiola if the verdict had been released earlier, Maresca said he would 100 percent still have joined. He explained that he completely trusts the club and the people running it, adding that there is no other club in the world where he would rather be.

Focus on the Pitch

The independent commission's verdict covers multiple financial breaches between 2009 and 2018. City has launched a formal appeal. The ruling has raised questions about the legitimacy of the club's trophies, including the treble won in the 2022 to 2023 season when Maresca was assistant manager.

Maresca strongly rejected the idea that his medals from the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup are tainted. He said he knows the massive effort the players and the club put in to achieve those targets.

Looking ahead to the next match, Maresca said his squad is focused on football rather than outside noise. He also confirmed that Erling Haaland is fit and ready after a short holiday, following a scare where he asked to be substituted while playing for Norway.