Maresca urges Manchester City squad to stay focused after Premier League verdict
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City’s head coach, told his players to remain focused and positive as they trained together at the club on Thursday, nine days after the Premier League published a report that said the club had used "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m and the club were found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League. Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, delivered the message on the first day back for players who had been away on international duty.
International members of the squad returned to training on Thursday, and BBC Sport reported this week that Maresca would address the group on their return to domestic duty after news of the verdicts broke while the majority of the squad were with their nations. It is understood the City head coach asked his players not to allow the crisis that has engulfed the club to affect their attitude and focus. City have launched an appeal and have publicly maintained their innocence, and private communication to those with links to the playing staff has been equally as emphatic, it is understood.
Speaking to Sky Sports before Sunday's trip to Liverpool, striker Erling Haaland echoed his manager's sentiments, saying: "I care a lot about this place. I spent my first four years here, it's a special place for us. I care a lot about City and the fans. I am a fan myself. I feel with them. "The fans will have a good time on Sunday - we have to stick together. We have to stay with each other and stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to smile. Stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and enjoy the situation. "We have to stick together and spread the love to each other. Enjoy the ride and smile." Haaland was photographed giving a thumbs-up to photographers as he arrived at training.
As Premier League football returns following a three-week hiatus, rival clubs have shown reluctance to have their managers speak publicly about the City verdict. Managers and head coaches, including Maresca on Friday, will be asked to comment during compulsory pre-match press conferences, although it is understood a number of clubs have already taken a clear stance for their managers not to comment.
Some Premier League news conferences were held on Thursday, but Coventry boss Frank Lampard, Leeds head coach Daniel Farke and Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle all steered clear of commenting at length. Jaissle said: "I think as a manager of another club I am not able to judge and it is not my job. Especially it is not in my job description. "The authorities are taking care of it, a process will be followed, and speaking on behalf of the whole club it is our job to focus on our job and preparing for [the match against Coventry on] Monday. "On behalf of the club, we should focus on what we can influence. Just focus on what we can do better and what we can influence on the pitch."
Lampard, who played for Manchester City in the 2014-15 season, said: "What can you say when an appeal is going on? I'm not inside the story, I'm outside it completely. "I played for Man City a long time ago now for one year, but we'll wait and see what the result of the appeal is and onwards. I don't know the timelines at all. "I'm outside the loop. I'm not dodging the question. I just don't feel it's an answer for me to give." Asked what the punishment should be, Lampard said: "It's not my role to talk about a punishment or how much. I just can't answer that one."
The Premier League campaign resumes this weekend with Manchester City's trip to Liverpool on Sunday, and Pep Guardiola is set to attend the Man City v PSG match next week.
