Enzo Maresca has rejected criticism of Manchester City’s celebrations following their 3-0 win at Liverpool, asking what his side were expected to do instead.
Sunday’s game at Anfield was City’s first match after an independent commission found the club guilty of charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial rules. City have appealed against the verdict. The win was followed by an emotional scene in front of the travelling supporters, with Erling Haaland appearing close to tears in front of City’s fans — a group that included his father, Alf-Inge — while Maresca pumped his fists in jubilation. The response drew questioning from pundits and the media.
Speaking on Tuesday at a news conference before Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with European champions Paris St-Germain, Maresca was blunt when asked about that scrutiny. “Criticised for what?” he replied. “We work every day to win games. It’s the only thing that we can think about and be focused on. The rest? It’s just things from outside that we need to deal with — but we were so, so, so happy on the pitch, and you cannot imagine inside the changing room.”
City captain Ruben Dias also stood behind the manner of the post-match celebrations at Anfield. “I stand by the manager’s words,” said the centre-back. “It was a win at Anfield. It was a show of how much it means to us.” Asked for his reaction to the guilty verdict, the Portugal defender added: “We are very calm and we trust the club.”
Wednesday’s fixture will be City’s first match at home since the guilty verdict. Pep Guardiola, who delivered 20 trophies during 10 years in charge before stepping aside at the end of last season, is expected to return to Etihad Stadium for the game. “This has been his house for 10 years with what he has done here,” Maresca said. “It’s exciting for everyone, for the fans.” It is not known whether Guardiola will address the supporters or his former players before the match.
Guardiola had earlier posted a message on social media after his former club were found guilty of financial breaches. “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he wrote. “Let me be clear: we will get through this together.”