Maresca reveals Guardiola visit after Man City's PSG defeat: 'It'll always be his house'

Enzo Maresca has opened up about a conversation with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium following Manchester City’s Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, with the former City manager present to show support in the wake of the club’s bombshell guilty verdict on 115 charges.

“I saw him after the game,” Maresca said. “Not before — we were talking about the game, the first half, the second half. He was very happy to be at the stadium. Very positive about things he’s seen in the game. It was great for the fans to see him at the stadium. It’ll always be his house.”

Maresca, who succeeded Guardiola at the Etihad before moving to Chelsea, also addressed how City have handled the turbulence surrounding the independent commission’s verdict in recent weeks, insisting his confidence in the club remains absolute.

“We handled it quite good — the fans, the team, everyone,” Maresca said. “Tomorrow is a three-points game, the same as Anfield away. It’s important to continue the run and try to win.”

The Italian was equally measured when asked about the broader reaction to the charges verdict. “I’m quite a respectful person. Everyone can say what they want. From my point of view, the wise way is to wait for the final word. I completely trust the club — I don’t need people outside of the club to understand the situation. It’s very clear. I trust the club, 100 per cent.”

Maresca also reflected on City’s 3-0 win at Anfield last week, during which away supporters produced blow-up bananas in a nod to the club’s history in the lower divisions. He admitted he was unaware of the tradition but welcomed the atmosphere it created ahead of the weekend fixture against Ipswich.

“It was very nice,” he said. “I didn’t know the history about the bananas. I hope to see many bananas in the stadium. It creates a nice environment for the fans and everyone in the stadium.”