Photo via BBC Sport

Maresca tells Man City players to stay focused and positive

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has emphasized the unity and focus within his squad amid the club’s ongoing legal challenges, stating that players remain undeterred by external scrutiny. The Premier League’s recent verdict—finding City guilty of 115 charges, including the use of 'sham' contracts to disguise over £830 million in secret funding—has not shaken the team’s morale, Maresca said, as the squad returned to training on Thursday after a nine-day absence.

With the club currently leading the league, the players are directing their energy toward the upcoming fixtures, particularly the high-stakes match against Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday. Maresca highlighted their professionalism, noting that the team is 'not worried at all' about the controversy and is instead concentrated on delivering results on the pitch.

City has launched an appeal against the verdict while maintaining its innocence, and private communications to players have reportedly reinforced the club’s commitment to moving forward. Forward Erling Haaland echoed Maresca’s sentiment, expressing deep loyalty to the club and its supporters, urging the team to stay positive and united despite the turmoil.

Meanwhile, rival managers have largely avoided public comment on the matter, with several clubs instructing their coaches to steer clear of the topic during pre-match press conferences.

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