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 team’s post‑match celebrations. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Maresca dismissed the backlash with a blunt reply: “What do you want us to do?” He argued that the players’ joy after a win is a natural response, regardless of the scoreline. “Even if it was 1‑0, it would be exactly the same,” he said, adding that the club’s focus remains on winning games and that the emotions felt inside the dressing room are hard to contain.
The defeat came on the heels of a guilty verdict from the Premier League’s independent commission, which found City had breached financial regulations. The club has appealed the ruling, but the decision has left fans and pundits divided. City captain Rúben Dias echoed Maresca’s stance, insisting that players should be allowed to express their feelings after a match. “I very much stand by the manager’s words,” Dias told reporters, noting that the team remains calm and trusts the club amid the legal proceedings.
Maresca also addressed the broader context of the club’s situation, acknowledging that the situation has been more difficult for supporters than for players or staff. “It has probably been tougher for our fans than for the players or for me because it is more complicated,” he said, explaining that fans from rival clubs often feel the injustice more acutely. Despite the controversy, the team’s morale appears intact, with players celebrating the three points at Anfield despite the surrounding scrutiny.
Looking ahead, City will host reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad Stadium for their first home game since the guilty verdict. The match will test whether the club can maintain focus amid ongoing appeals and fan unrest. While the legal battle continues, City’s management remains confident that the squad can stay disciplined on the pitch, even as the club navigates the fallout from the Premier League’s findings.