Maresca says City verdict would not have stopped him taking manager’s job
Enzo Maresca has reiterated his commitment to Manchester City following the independent commission’s financial-rule verdict, saying he would have accepted the manager’s job even if the findings had been known before his appointment.
City have filed a formal appeal after being found guilty of multiple breaches connected to the period from 2009 to 2018. The decision has prompted renewed scrutiny of the club’s achievements since the Abu Dhabi takeover in 2008, including the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup treble won in 2022-23, when Maresca worked as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the judgement emerged during the international break, the 46-year-old said the verdict would not have altered his decision to take charge. “One hundred per cent, yes,” he said when asked whether he would still have joined City. “There is a process continuing, and at this stage I have complete trust in the club.”
Maresca said that faith came from the people at the club and described City as the only side he wanted to manage. He added that he was “very happy” and “very proud” to hold the position.
Maresca rejects doubts over treble
The City manager also dismissed the idea that his own medals from the 2023 treble campaign should now be regarded differently. He pointed to the work carried out by Guardiola, the players and staff during that season, arguing that he had no questions over what the team had achieved.
“Absolutely not,” Maresca said when asked whether those honours had been tainted. “I was here in the season of the treble and I know how much the players, the manager and the club worked to reach those objectives. I have no doubt about it.”
City return to league action on Sunday with a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, their first match since the findings were published. Maresca said his squad recognised the seriousness of the situation but would concentrate on matters within their control.
“The players understand it, and we understand it,” he said. “But our responsibility is to manage the noise. The manager and the players must focus on winning matches rather than anything else.”
There was also encouraging news on Erling Haaland after the striker was substituted while playing for Norway during the international break. Maresca said Haaland was “good” after spending a few days on holiday, easing immediate concern over his availability for the Liverpool fixture.
