Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made it clear that he’s not leaving the club anytime soon, despite the alleged financial violations. The coach spoke on the team’s recent legal issues for the first time on Friday.
City is currently under investigation for allegedly breaking Financial Fair Play rules more than 100 times. Fines, Premier League point deductions or even a possible expulsion from the top flight could all be possible.
Guardiola claims he will not leave City early after violations allegation
Just last year, Guardiola claimed that he would depart the club if team officials lied to him about the financial irregularities. Nevertheless, the Spanish coach proclaimed that he’s not going anywhere just yet. “I’m not moving from this seat. I can assure you more than ever,” stated Guardiola at a press conference.
Along with sticking by the club, the coach also addressed previous allegations from 2020. UEFA initially banned City from European competition, but the club won an appeal and were only given a fine.
“My first thought is that we have already been condemned. What happened is this same that happened with UEFA,” said the coach. “We had already accusations and now we are charged. The club proved they were innocent (from UEFA charges).”
Pep: “I am fully convinced we will be innocent”
Guardiola also admitted that he isn’t quite sure what will happen next, but the club will fully accept any charges of wrongdoing. “What is going to happen I don’t know. Personally I am happy we are here as like UEFA we have the chance to defend (ourselves),” stated the Spaniard.
“I would have loved to wait and see to find out what happens but just in case we are not innocent we will accept what the judge and the Premier League decides. But if the same situation with UEFA happens and we are innocent, what happens to restore or pay back our damage?”
“After the courts can dictate what happened. At the end it is nice. I am fully convinced we will be innocent.”
Guardiola was also directly asked if other Premier League clubs are possibly behind the allegations as well. “Yes, of course, this is the Premier League,” answered the coach. “I don’t know why. You will have to go to all the CEOs and ask them. Go to a press conference and ask them.”
City have collected 14 major domestic trophies since the club was purchased by the Abu Dhabi group in 2008. Since the takeover, team officials have also spent over $2 billion on players as well.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
