Maresca Focuses Manchester City on Liverpool Clash After Verdict
Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says his squad have returned from the international break focused on Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, despite the scrutiny surrounding the club after the Premier League case verdict.
Maresca keeps attention on Anfield test
City’s visit to Liverpool will be their first match since the judgement found the club guilty of financial-rule breaches. Maresca, speaking on Thursday before his scheduled press conference on Friday, said he remained calm and that the group’s priorities were confined to matters on the pitch.
“Personally, I’m very calm,” Maresca said. “The club has made its position clear and we trust the club completely. We understand there is noise, but our focus is on what we can influence, which is the football side.”
The club have lodged a formal appeal. Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano have both maintained that City are innocent despite the guilty verdict.
Players return with league position in mind
Most of City’s squad spent the break away with their national teams, but have now returned to the City Football Academy ahead of the Liverpool fixture. Maresca said the atmosphere within the group had remained positive, with the players encouraged by their position at the top of the league.
“The feeling is fantastic,” he said. “The players are looking forward to the next two games, especially because we are top of the league at the moment.”
Maresca added that the external attention had not unsettled his players. Instead, he said their preparation has centred on finding a way to win at Anfield with the backing of the travelling City support.
- The Premier League case judgement is published, with City found guilty of financial-rule breaches.
- City launch a formal appeal, while Khaldoon Al-Mubarak and Ferran Soriano reiterate the club’s claim of innocence.
- International players return to the City Football Academy during the break.
- Maresca addresses the situation through club media on Thursday.
- City travel to Liverpool on Sunday for their first game after the verdict.
Control remains Maresca’s central message
The Italian said his players recognise that discussion around the club will continue, but do not intend to let it affect their work. City’s immediate objective is to protect their league position through a major away test against Liverpool.
“They know the noise is there, but they are not paying too much attention to it,” Maresca said. “They are focused on how we can beat Liverpool and, together with the fans, try to win at Anfield.”
- Manchester City are top of the league heading into Sunday’s match.
- The Liverpool game is City’s first since the financial-rule verdict was published.
- City have submitted a formal appeal against the ruling.
- Maresca says both he and the players are concentrating on football preparations.
- The City head coach is set to face reporters on Friday morning.
