Pep Guardiola is expected to attend Manchester City’s Champions League tie against Paris St-Germain next week, which will be the club’s first home match since they were found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League.
The fixture will also mark the first time the Spaniard has returned to the Etihad Stadium since he left the club at the end of last season, after a decade as manager.
Earlier this month, an independent commission found City guilty of all charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons. City continue to deny any wrongdoing and have lodged an appeal against the findings in the Premier League’s report, which stated the club falsely inflated commercial revenues by £830m through “sham” contracts.
In the aftermath of the verdict, the 55-year-old Guardiola backed City’s owners and leadership and said he would “always” be behind the club. “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he posted on social media. “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.”
City return to action after the three-week international break against Liverpool on Sunday at Anfield, in what promises to be a searing Premier League atmosphere. Enzo Maresca’s side then host Champions League holders PSG on Wednesday, 14 October, when Guardiola is expected to watch from the Etihad stands.
During Guardiola’s decade in charge of City, he led the club to six Premier League titles — including a record four in a row from 2020-21 — as well as the Champions League, three FA Cups and five League Cups. Prior to his departure, he spoke about the charges against City in November 2024 and said he “will be here” even if the club were relegated.