Luis Enrique, coach of Real Madrid, expressed his support for Manchester City following the revelation that the English club has been found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial irregularities investigated, which allegedly generated more than 900 million euros in undue income. The statement came in advance of the Champions League match between PSG and City, which will be held at the Etihad Stadium.
The context of the controversy centers on the accusation that Manchester City had inflated its income to comply with UEFA financial regulations. The club has appealed the decision and insisted on its innocence, but pressure from public opinion and some football organizations continues to grow. In the midst of this controversy, few have defended the club, which is why Luis Enrique's intervention generated surprise among fans and the media.
In his speech, Luis Enrique stated that “the titles you dispute on the field remain on the field” and that Manchester City “deserved to win them.” He added that “it is important to wait for the final decision of the judges” and that “it is necessary that everything ends well for the club.” The manager also highlighted the quality of football that City have shown over the last seven years, describing it as “incredible” and “very good”. In his words, “if I only talk about football, Manchester City deserved the trophies and I really liked the way they played.”
Luis Enrique's comment reflects the position of some who believe that the sanction may be excessive and that the club should be judged fairly. At the same time, the coach stressed the need to respect the judicial process and not prejudge the result. His statement comes just before PSG faces City in the group stage of the Champions League, where both teams seek to consolidate their position in the competition.
The immediate future of Manchester City will depend on the decision of UEFA and the sports courts. In the meantime, the club will continue to compete in the Premier League and Champions League, hoping the controversy does not affect their performance on the field. Fans and the media will continue to pay attention to the next news about the possible sanction and the evolution of the legal situation of the English club.