Need to know
Former boss Pep Guardiola will be present as Manchester City take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday evening
Pep Guardiola, Head Coach of Manchester City, speaks to the media in a post match press conference following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 match between Manchester City and Al-Hilal
Pep Guardiola will attend Manchester City's game against Paris Saint-Germain(Image: Getty)
All you need to know about what Pep Guardiola has said regarding Manchester City's charges verdict
The match: Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad on October 14, marking their first Champions League fixture since the conclusion of the Premier League's financial inquiry. The match takes place amid significant off-pitch focus following the regulatory commission's recent ruling against the club.
Guilty verdict: On September 25, an independent commission found City guilty of 114 out of 115 Premier League financial charges dating between 2009 and 2018. The club deny this and have formally lodged an appeal against the verdict, maintaining that "a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" exists to prove their innocence.
Liverpool win: City enter the European fixture following a 3-0 Premier League victory against Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. Enzo Maresca's team secured the win via second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki after Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch was sent off.
Pep's return: Former manager Pep Guardiola, who departed City at the end of the 2025/26 season, will be in attendance at the Etihad for the match against PSG. This marks his first public return to the ground since stepping down and handing over managerial duties to Maresca.
Guardiola has his say: Following the charges verdict, Guardiola issued an official public statement on September 30, stating: "I want every single fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be, behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters."
Past comment: Of course, Guardiola was questioned about the inquiries during his time as manager. In May 2022, he explained his demand for honesty from City's board: "I said to them: 'If you lie to me, the day after I am not here.'" In that same press briefing, he said: "I put my faith in you because I believe you 100 per cent from day one and I defend the club because of that."
Manager's legacy: Now, he is set to return to his former club and support them from the stands. During his decade at City between 2016 and 2026, Guardiola won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2022/23 Champions League.