Premier League managers react as Man City found guilty of 114 financial breaches

Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 financial rule breaches by an independent commission, which ruled that the club arranged “sham contracts” with commercial partners to disguise funding amounting to more than £900m across a period stretching from 2009 to 2018. The verdict, delivered following a four-year investigation, dominated pre-match press conferences as Premier League football returned.

City, who remain top of the Premier League, have vehemently protested their innocence and launched an appeal against the ruling. Their first fixture since the news broke is a trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, one of the clubs who have lost out most to City in recent title races.

Enzo Maresca (Manchester City)

City boss Maresca was unequivocal in his backing of the club. “I trust the people and this is also the reason why I joined the club. There is not another club in the world where I would like to be. So I’m very happy to be here. I’m very proud.”

Asked whether he would have taken the job even had the commission already ruled against City, Maresca replied: “One hundred percent, yes. I know the organisation from years ago. I know how serious they are. I know they do the right things. I would like to speak about this when we’re going to win the appeal.”

He added that the verdict had not been a topic of discussion when he was appointed, saying: “I don’t think that was a problem for the club at that time. Also, because they are thinking in an honest way. I think they are convinced that in the end we want to win the appeal.”

Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)

Arsenal manager Arteta, whose side are among City’s closest title rivals, declined to offer a direct opinion on the ruling, citing the ongoing appeal. “Fully understand the question, but I will respect the process. It is still an ongoing process that is not resolved because it has been appealed. My position and the club’s position is not to make any further comment until it is resolved.”

On whether the verdict might galvanise City in their title push, Arteta said: “I don’t know — that’s something that’s not in our hands. In our hands it’s the way we have prepared since all the internationals are back. That is where we put the energy.”

The independent commission’s findings represent the most significant disciplinary ruling in English football’s history. City’s appeal means no sanctions have yet been determined, and the case is expected to continue for some time before a final resolution is reached.