(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has faced the press for the first time since the news broke of the club being found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges against them.
The Italian tactician only replaced Pep Guardiola as Man City manager this summer, but he’s already being faced with responding to one of the biggest scandals in English football history.
Here’s a round-up of what he told reporters in this press conference ahead of the Liverpool game today…
Maresca on “trust” for Man City
“First of all good morning, I understand the reason why most of you are here, but the only thing I can say is something that I already said, there is a process ongoing and in this moment I completely trust the club. This is what I can say about that.
“I trust the club because I trust the people, this is the reason why I joined the club. Then there is not another club in the world where I would like to be, I am very happy, very proud, I said many times since day one.”
Maresca on if City’s achievements are tainted
“Absolutely not. The last time I was here was the treble season, I know the effort from the players, club, the manager at that time, Pep, so I know the effort that was (needed) to make that achievement.”
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Maresca on Guardiola’s return for the PSG game
“I spoke with Pep the last time after the Man United game, but I know that he is coming.
“It’s always a pleasure, after ten years here he can come any time he wants, not just a game, for a training session, for any moment. It will be nice for him, for the fans, for everyone.”
Maresca on keeping the players focused
“We cannot avoid it. We completely understand the seriousness of the situation, we understand, the players understand, but it is our duty, our job, to try to control the noise. We are focused on winning games, not something different.
“Absolutely they can face the pressure, we have players who already experienced similar situations.”
Maresca on if he’d still have joined City if he knew
“100%. 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 are going to win the appeal.”