Manchester City’s emphatic 3‑0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday has sparked a fresh wave of criticism, but manager Enzo Maresca has defended the players’ celebrations as a natural response to a win. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Maresca asked, “What do you want us to do?” after the club’s 3‑0 triumph, noting that the same reaction would have been expected even if the score had been 1‑0. He emphasized that the team works daily to secure results and that the joy felt in the dressing room is a private matter that should not be scrutinized.
The match marked City’s first outing since the Premier League’s independent commission found the club guilty of breaching financial rules. The verdict, which City has appealed, has led to heightened scrutiny of the club’s conduct both on and off the pitch. Critics have taken issue with the exuberant celebrations, arguing that the club’s actions should reflect the seriousness of the allegations. Maresca countered that the players’ emotions are a natural part of the game and that the rest of the world’s concerns are external to the team’s focus.
City captain Rúben Dias echoed Maresca’s stance, stating that the squad should be allowed to celebrate as they feel after a match. Dias said he supports the manager’s view and that the players’ joy reflects how much the result means to them. He added that the team remains calm and trusts the club, even as they await the outcome of the appeal against the commission’s decision.
Maresca also addressed the impact on fans, suggesting that supporters might find the situation more difficult than the players or staff. He remarked that while some fans might feel cheated, the players were “very happy inside the changing room” and that celebrating the points at Anfield was a relief. The club’s next challenge will come on Tuesday when they host reigning European champions Paris Saint‑Germain at the Etihad Stadium for their first home game since the guilty verdict.
As the appeal process continues, City’s focus remains on maintaining squad morale and performance. The club’s management appears committed to keeping the team concentrated on football while navigating the legal and public relations challenges that have arisen from the financial misconduct ruling.