The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has voiced strong concerns regarding the intense scrutiny the club faces, suggesting that detractors wish to see it “eradicated from the face of the Earth” amid ongoing allegations of financial misconduct.
Since Guardiola took over in 2016, Manchester City has emerged as a powerhouse in English football.
However, the club is now confronting 115 charges from the Premier League, which could lead to severe repercussions, including significant points deductions or even expulsion from the league if found guilty.
The long-awaited hearing on these charges began earlier this week, stirring significant debate within the football community.
Guardiola, who has previously pointed out that some rivals seem to relish the prospect of a guilty verdict, believes that these competitors are hoping for an excessively harsh punishment.
In a pre-match conference ahead of the crucial game against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola raised the topic without prompting, addressing how critics often react to a team’s poor performances.
“During a season, you can say, ‘Oh, it was a bad season’,” he remarked. “But for performances some people say, ‘Oh, it’s a disgrace, it is a disaster, it’s unacceptable’. No, during 90 minutes it’s one bad afternoon when they were better.”
He continued, emphasizing his commitment to defending the club, “But I would say – I’m sorry, I want to defend my club, especially in these modern days when everyone is expecting us not to be relegated, to be disappeared off the face of the Earth, the world – that we have better afternoons than the opponents. That’s why we win a lot.”
The allegations against Manchester City, dating from 2009 to 2018, include violations of financial regulations on 80 separate occasions, along with claims that the club did not cooperate with the Premier League’s investigation 35 times.
Specific accusations involve failing to provide accurate financial data, including sponsorship income and details regarding player and manager salaries.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Manchester City maintains its innocence and is firmly disputing the claims made against them.
The outcome of this high-stakes hearing could significantly impact the club’s future in English football.
