Maresca reveals last Guardiola call came before Man City guilty verdict

Enzo Maresca has confirmed he has not spoken to Pep Guardiola since Manchester City were found guilty of breaching more than 100 Premier League financial rules, with their last conversation coming in the aftermath of the Manchester derby.

Guardiola, who managed City throughout the period under scrutiny, is set to return to the Etihad for the club’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain next week — his first visit since the verdict was delivered. The Spaniard had previously pledged publicly to stand by the club regardless of the outcome, and PSG president Nasser Al Khelaifi has also offered support to City in the wake of the ruling.

“The last time was after the Man United game was when I spoke to Pep, but I know that he’s coming,” Maresca said. “It’s always a pleasure. After 10 years here, he can come any time he wants — not just for a game or training session. I think it will be nice for him and for the fans.”

Maresca, who served as Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad before taking the Chelsea job, described his relationship with the former City boss as a close one and acknowledged Guardiola remains available to offer guidance if needed.

City’s punishment relates to alleged overspending of more than £900 million beyond permitted limits across nearly a decade — a period that coincided with an unprecedented run of domestic and European success. The verdict has sent shockwaves through English football, with several rival clubs among those considered to have been most affected by the rule-breaking during those years.

Before Guardiola’s return to Manchester, City face a difficult trip to Anfield on Sunday, where Liverpool — one of the clubs that lost out most heavily on silverware during the period in question — are expected to provide a hostile reception. The PSG match will mark the first home game for the men’s team since the guilty verdict was announced.