Guardiola’s message to Manchester City supporters this week was unambiguous.
“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he posted on X. “I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear – we will get through this together. I love you all.”
The Mirror reports he will follow those words in person, returning to the Etihad for the Champions League group-stage tie against PSG on Wednesday, October 14. Guardiola left the club this summer after a decade in charge, and has been on sabbatical in Barcelona since.
The verdict that reshaped English football
An independent commission has found Manchester City guilty on 114 of the 115 Premier League financial charges first brought in February 2023, in what the league has described as a landmark regulatory ruling. The Premier League confirmed the verdict in an official statement on 29 September.
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The commission concluded that between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons, City had operated what it called “sham” contracts with commercial partners. Sponsors paid less than the headline figures stated and the difference was topped up by the club’s owners. The ruling found that City artificially inflated revenues and reduced costs by more than £900m across that nine-year window.
City have denied all wrongdoing and have confirmed they will appeal. Punishment will be decided in a separate hearing, with points deductions, title stripping and even relegation among the sanctions being discussed.
Marsch: ‘They should have to go down’
Jesse Marsch, the Canada head coach and former Leeds manager, has called for the harshest possible sanction.
“I think Man City should be punished severely. I think they should have to go down, and by the way, everyone knew about it,” Marsch said.
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Maresca, named in Guardiola’s post
Enzo Maresca, the “Enzo” Guardiola singled out in his message, was appointed as his successor in June 2026, with City paying Chelsea a compensation fee reported to be well in excess of £10m. He had previously worked at the Etihad in two separate spells on Guardiola’s coaching staff.
Kick-off against PSG is at the Etihad on Wednesday, October 14. The sanctions hearing has yet to be scheduled.
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