LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Enzo Maresca, Manager / Head Coach of Manchester City celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Ba
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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Enzo Maresca, Manager / Head Coach of Manchester City celebrates after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Ba
Enzo Maresca has brushed off criticism of the way Manchester City celebrated their victory at Liverpool on Sunday.
City triumphed 3-0 at Anfield in their first match since the club were found guilty of breaking the Premier League's financial regulations.
The manner in which the players celebrated after the game has attracted criticism for a perceived lack of humility in the face of the strong verdict, but Maresca insists they have nothing to apologise for.
The City manager said: "Criticised for what?
"We won 3-0 at Anfield. What do you want us to do? Even if it was 1-0, it would be exactly the same.
"We work every day to win games. It’s the only thing that we can think about and be focused.
"The rest? It’s just things from outside that we need to deal with, but we were so, so, so happy inside the pitch, and you cannot imagine inside the changing room."
Maresca was speaking at a press conference to preview Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Paris St Germain at the Etihad Stadium.
Former City boss Pep Guardiola is due to attend the game in what will be his first visit to the ground since standing down last summer.
The Spaniard has said he is keen to show his support for the club amid the current storm.
Maresca said: "I spoke with Pep after the (Manchester) United game. In case he’s coming, it’s a nice feeling – especially for him, because this has been his house for 10 years with what he has done here. It’s exciting for everyone."
Maresca did not say if Guardiola would address the squad at either the training ground or in the dressing room.
He said: "I don’t know his plan, if he is coming straight to the stadium or the training ground."
City have been found guilty of the majority of more than 100 charges of breaching financial regulations and failing to co-operate with an investigation. They maintain their innocence and have appealed against the judgement.
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