Luis Enrique, coach of Real Madrid, spoke out in advance of the first match of the Champions League group stage between Manchester City and PSG, defending the English club that faces a UEFA investigation for 114 of the 115 financial irregularities detected, which supposedly generated more than 900 million euros in improper income.
The controversial case has generated an intense debate in the world of football. While City has appealed the decision and demands a thorough review, several organizations and fans are demanding severe sanctions and compensation for the alleged benefits obtained. In the midst of this noise, Luis Enrique showed his support for Pep Guardiola's team, highlighting that the club's achievements are due to its performance on the field.
"The titles you dispute on the field remain on the field. They deserved to win them," said the Spanish coach. He added that, although the situation is complicated, “there is a lot of noise around the big clubs and they must wait for the final decision of the person who must decide it.” In his words, “we have to wait and I hope everything ends well for Manchester City, because what they have done over the last seven years on the field has been incredible.”
Regarding the possible sanction, Luis Enrique expressed his hope that the club manages to avoid it, but stressed that "we must wait to see what the judges say." He reiterated that his comment is based solely on football performance and not on the administrative situation, emphasizing that City “deserved the trophies and I really liked their way of playing football.”
The match between PSG and Manchester City, which will take place at the Etihad Stadium, will be the first duel after the revelation of the English club's guilt. The result of the match, although important due to its implications in the group stage, will take a backseat to the question of the possible sanction that will follow UEFA's final decision. The next step will be the judges' hearing which will determine whether City will be able to avoid a penalty or whether a significant sanction will be imposed.