Ian Wright asks what Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool missed out on amid reports of a Man City financial rules verdict. City maintain their innocence.
Ian Wright
Ian Wright(Image: ITV)
Former Arsenal star Ian Wright has explained how reports of Manchester City being found guilty of alleged financial breaches impact Jürgen Klopp's legacy at Liverpool. It was reported on Friday that City had been found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges levelled against them by the Premier League for financial breaches.
The accusations cover a timeframe spanning 2009 to 2018, although City continue to assert their innocence and are anticipated to file an appeal against the ruling. Liverpool and City frequently battled for Premier League supremacy throughout Klopp's spell as Anfield manager, with the Reds finishing as runners-up in the 2018/19 and 2021/22 seasons, despite accumulating over 90 points on both occasions.
Wright was responding to remarks from former Man City midfielder Rodri, who secured four league titles during his spell at the Etihad Stadium, and how the alleged guilty finding would affect the legacy of Klopp's Liverpool era.
"Rodri talking about what he's done and went shoulder to shoulder with the guys, and of course, you can't take that away from them, they experienced that," Wright told ITV Sport, via the Liverpool Echo. "But they should take it away from them, they should be punished for it.
"They may have been able to experience those memories and all of those great times together, but when you look at the teams who were trying to chase them and were doing it right, it's not right. What have we taken from Liverpool's legacy, [Jurgen] Klopp and that team. What could they have experienced?
"They [City] cheated to get it done and people have missed out on that. Players have missed out on unbelievable opportunities for themselves, so I'm glad that we've finally got there."
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak penned an open letter on Saturday in which he voiced his unwavering belief in the club's innocence, despite reports emerging the previous day suggesting a guilty verdict had been reached.
Liverpool won a huge amount of trophies with Jurgen Klopp in charge - but twice missed out on the title to City by a single point
Liverpool won a huge amount of trophies with Jurgen Klopp in charge - but twice missed out on the title to City by a single point(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
"I have been part of this Club for 18 years. I have had the privilege to stand with you in the Etihad, at Wembley, and in Istanbul," he said. "This Club matters to me, and you have shown and told me – time and time again - how much Manchester City matters to you. This is why I am writing to you today.
"Following Friday's media reporting, many of you will have spent your evening answering questions and responding to messages from friends, family and colleagues. So have I. Here's what I said to my family: The Premier League process still has a long way to run, and our confidence and intent in proving the Club's innocence is just as strong as when this began.
"There are so many things that I would like to be able to share with you to help you understand why we feel so confident in our position. But the strict confidentiality of the legal process and our determination to respect it means I cannot do that at the moment. Even this letter underwent several legal checks to make sure it complies.
"I ask you to please carefully read the statement below, which we gave on Friday, and the statement we issued in February 2023. Every word matters and holds true."
He added: "While some people have been quick to reach their own conclusions, and there is so much noise swirling around us, nothing has changed. We have faced challenges together before and have prevailed. There remain many who want to undermine the momentum of our Club. We will not give them that opportunity.
"We have some exciting moments to look forward to after this international break. We travel to Anfield in a fortnight, and then host Paris St Germain in the Champions League back at Etihad Stadium - moments that give us an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the Manchester City family. Thank you, as always, for your constant support."