Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca reports a fantastic mood among his players as the squad prepares to face Liverpool, brushing off intense external noise following the Premier League’s publication of a damning report detailing the majority of 115 charges brought against the club.
Manchester City’s international players returned to training on Thursday following a three-week hiatus and nine days after the Premier League published a report that stated the club had used “sham” contracts to disguise secret funding exceeding £830m. The league leaders head into Sunday’s clash against Liverpool at Anfield holding the top spot in the table, a position that head coach Enzo Maresca says keeps his squad entirely insulated from the ongoing crisis surrounding the club.
Enzo Maresca Addresses the Squad and Focuses on the Table
Speaking to club media ahead of the weekend fixture, Maresca confirmed that he addressed the players upon their return to domestic duty after the verdict broke while most of the squad was away with their national teams. He asked his players to protect their focus and shield their attitude from external pressures.
Maresca elaborated on the team’s mental state in an in-house interview, emphasizing that the players recognize what falls within their control on the pitch. The players are excited for the next two games,
Maresca said, noting that holding the top spot in the league remains their primary driver.
“They know their profession and they know that the noise is there, but they don’t care too much about the noise. They are just focused in this moment on how we can beat Liverpool and how, together with the fans, we can try to win in Anfield.”
Enzo Maresca, Manchester City head coach
The head coach added that he feels calm and maintains that his squad trusts the club completely. Manchester City has launched an appeal and publicly maintained its innocence, while private communications to those linked with the playing staff have delivered an equally emphatic message.
Erling Haaland Calls for Unity Ahead of Anfield Trip
Striker Erling Haaland, who leads the Premier League scoring charts this season with five goals, echoed his manager’s perspective in an interview with Sky Sports. Haaland emphasized his personal investment in the club since arriving four years ago.
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.
Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker
Haaland urged supporters to stick together and maintain a positive outlook as the team prepares for Sunday’s encounter.
“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.”
Erling Haaland, Manchester City striker
Rival Managers Respond to the Verdict and Delays
As domestic football resumes, rival managers have faced questions regarding the Manchester City verdict during pre-match press conferences. Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner addressed reporters earlier in the week, voicing a desire for a swift resolution to protect the integrity of the competition.
Not all managers chose to engage with the topic. Leeds head coach Daniel Farke and Newcastle’s Matthias Jaissle steered clear of extended commentary during their Thursday news conferences, and reports indicate that a number of clubs have advised their managers to avoid commenting on the matter.
Frank Lampard Discusses Historical Titles and Player Perspective
Coventry boss Frank Lampard, who made 38 appearances and scored eight goals for Manchester City during the 2014-15 season after 13 years at Chelsea, offered a player’s perspective on the possibility of past titles being stripped.
While Manchester City has not yet faced punishment and there is little appetite across the Premier League or its member clubs to strip past titles, Lampard noted that individual players internalize their achievements regardless of administrative decisions.
Lampard, who won the Premier League three times during his playing career with Chelsea, stressed the difficulty of winning trophies against elite competition. He stated that taking an earned title away from an individual player would prove exceptionally difficult given the effort required on the pitch.
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