Pep Guardiola swiftly returned to employment after leaving Manchester City
Pep Guardiola puts his hand to his face
Pep Guardiola has outlined his stance in light of Manchester City's charges(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Focus has been restored on Pep Guardiola after Manchester City were found guilty of financial breaches. The footballing world was rocked earlier this week when the Premier League leaders were found guilty of 114 of the 115 charges the top flight first levied against them in 2023, while the club continues to maintain their innocence.
A punishment against City has yet to be decided – pending the result of an appeal – with some suggesting that removing the titles won during their rule-breaking period between 2009 and 2018 is a possible option. However, it is understood that the top-flight and its clubs do not necessarily want to pursue that exact course of action.
Guardiola - who managed the club for a decade - left the Etihad Stadium this past summer after winning 20 trophies in a historic tenure. Despite leaving City, Guardiola remained emotionally - and contractually - connected to the club's parent company, City Football Group. His new job with the firm was confirmed before their final game of last season, with the Spaniard taking up the role of an ambassador.
City explained Guardiola's responsibilities 'will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations'. In light of City's charges, the 53-year-old revealed his stance on the controversy for the first time earlier this week.
Guardiola took to X to release a statement, which read: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. 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. I love you all." The manager posted photos of City's Champions League and Premier League triumphs alongside his message, which has been seen almost 10 million times.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 19: MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City, and Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, poses for a photo with the Premier League title trophy following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola remains in support of Manchester City(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Sanctions that Jamie Carragher believes City should be subjected to are the stripping of their trophies won in the nine-year period they were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
"I feel for the players... they'll almost feel like a lot of their career is going to have an asterisk, or a lot of people will be calling it a sham," the Liverpool legend said on Sky Sports News. "The players were told everything was fine, they would never get done for anything.
Ferran Soriano, Manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, and Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of Manchester City, celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy
The Spaniard led City to their first Champions League title(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"What the hierarchy are coming out with now, they're just gaslighting. I think the titles should be taken off their [City's] list. Whether other clubs get them is probably slightly different. City have not just hurt their own players.
"I don't look at it [a medal] years later, but my mind goes back to moments and feelings in my stomach. Those players will never get that feeling and it was robbed by Man City. No-one remembers the medal. Giving trophies or medals back, it doesn't mean anything. It's not about medals, it's about feelings."
Join our WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.