Maresca to address Man City squad Thursday after guilty verdict on 114 charges

Enzo Maresca will address his Manchester City squad on Thursday after the club’s international players return from the extended break — their first gathering since an independent commission found City guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought against them by the Premier League last month.

City have maintained their innocence throughout the process and confirmed they will appeal the decision, but the timing of the verdict — landing during the international window — meant Maresca had no opportunity to speak collectively with his players before now. Thursday’s reunion will also mark the start of preparations for Sunday’s match against Liverpool at Anfield.

England manager Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the case had registered with his players during the break. “I think it is a distraction. It is. Let’s say it is a subject,” Tuchel said. “I know the Man City players get a lot of messages and phone calls and feedback about it. Are they worried or concerned? I think that would be a very human reaction if you don’t know what’s going on for the club that you signed. They’re still young. They’re ambitious. They’re told they are totally innocent and don’t know what’s going on.”

Tuchel was careful to qualify his assessment, however. “I am not sure if it’s a distraction. I don’t see it when I see them in my meetings. I don’t see it how they behave with other teammates, and I don’t see it in training being a distraction. But it’s a topic. How can’t it be?”

One player who may have to wait slightly longer to return is Enzo Fernandez, with Argentina scheduled to face Benin late on Wednesday night, potentially pushing his arrival back by a day.

Pep Guardiola, who remains City’s manager despite the verdict, used social media to rally the club’s supporters in the immediate aftermath. “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola wrote. “I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together.”