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SportsGuardiola: Trusts Man City conduct, may not return for financial verdict
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Pep Guardiola, preparing to leave Manchester City after a decade and 20 trophies, expressed confidence in the club's conduct regarding 115 charges of alleged Premier League financial rule breaches. The charges, from 2009-2018, were referred to an independent commission in February 2023, but no verdict has been issued. Guardiola stated he trusts the club's behavior and evidence. When asked if he would return for a press conference after the verdict, he responded ironically, 'If they find me, yes, but that will be difficult.' He confirmed he will not coach in the near future, needing a break from football. He advised his likely successor, Enzo Maresca, to be unique and natural. Guardiola's farewell reception at Aston Villa includes renaming the north stand in his honor.
Source report
Pep Guardiola, who is preparing to leave Manchester City, has expressed confidence in the club's conduct regarding the 115 charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules. The verdict of the case remains unknown.
The Spanish coach announced on Friday that he will step down as City manager after a decade in which he won 20 trophies, most recently the FA Cup and the League Cup this season.
Background of the Case
In February 2023, following a four-year investigation, Manchester City were indicted and the case was referred to an independent commission. The alleged infractions are said to have occurred between 2009 and 2018.
The club vehemently denies all allegations, stating that its defense is supported by a "comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence." The Premier League alleges that City breached rules requiring it to provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position."
Although three years have passed, the outcome of the process remains unknown, as the independent commission has not yet issued any decision.
Guardiola's Response
Asked why he defended the club so vehemently, Guardiola was clear:
"I trust them. I spoke to them and I trust how they behave and what they did. What happened, happened."
When asked if he would return to Manchester for a press conference after the verdict was announced, Guardiola responded ironically:
"If they find me, yes, but that will be difficult."
Future Plans
The Catalan coach assured that he will not take on a coaching role in the near future:
"If I had the energy for that I would have stayed here. To be honest, I deserve a break. I don't want to think about football for a few years, I want to do a lot of things that I couldn't do, silly things."
Advice for His Successor
After a decade at City, Guardiola left advice for his successor — widely expected to be Enzo Maresca, his former assistant and more recently Chelsea coach:
"It doesn't work to copy and paste in this type of work. You have to be unique, natural, and the new coach will be himself. The team can do better and with these players, with the new coach, with the team, I'm sure it will work."
Farewell Match
Today's reception at Aston Villa marks Guardiola's farewell. The match will also feature a renaming ceremony of the north stand in the coach's name, with his family present.
Source
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