MANCHESTER: Manchester City defender Marc Guehi says the squad remain calm and focused despite the club being found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Monday, the England international said the club had maintained a positive atmosphere despite the uncertainty surrounding the case.
What Guehi said
“The team spirit has been really good, every single person, player, staff and fans are backing us and it has been great to see,” Guehi said.
“We’re pretty calm. There’s a lot of relaxed faces because we have a lot of trust and belief in the football club and what’s been going on here.”
He added that the players were determined not to be distracted by the controversy: “It can be very easy to be affected by the noise that’s going on. But I’m so happy to see the team spirit, the team bonding and everyone taking to what’s happening and just focusing on the football.”
Guehi, who joined City from Crystal Palace for £20 million in January last year, said the club had supported him through difficult periods. “I’m aware already of the success the club has already had in the past and I want to be someone who’s part of the future success.”
The case against City
City have made an impressive start to the season under new manager Enzo Maresca, winning their opening seven league matches to establish a three-point lead over champions Arsenal.
But their strong form has come under scrutiny following the guilty verdicts, with calls for significant points deductions, substantial fines and even the possibility of titles being stripped. City are appealing against the findings, and no punishment has been announced yet.
City’s appeal against the guilty verdict is under way, with the club’s manager backing the challenge publicly. Pundits have been more divided — one former manager has even raised the prospect of relegation if the harshest sanctions land.
What comes next
Their only defeat this season came against Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, who beat them 4-2. City will look to return to winning ways in Europe when they host AEK Athens on Tuesday.
For now, the on-pitch story and the legal story are running on parallel tracks. Guehi’s message is that the dressing room intends to keep them separate.
FAQs
What did Marc Guehi say about the verdict?
He said the squad remain “pretty calm” and focused on football, praising the team spirit and the backing of staff and fans.
What were Manchester City found guilty of?
More than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules. City are appealing and no punishment has been announced.
How are City performing this season?
They have won their opening seven league matches under Enzo Maresca, leading champions Arsenal by three points.
