Pep Guardiola returned to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since leaving the Manchester City bench in May, after a decade of success. The Catalan coach settled in the stands to watch the match on the second day of the group stage of the Champions League, in which City faces PSG led by Luis Enrique, who recently won the competition on two consecutive occasions.
The match takes place at the English club's stadium, the first game on its own ground since the Premier League sanctioned it for 114 financial violations committed between 2009 and 2018. City, which finished third in the table last season after losing 0-3 to Liverpool at Anfield, is trying to re-establish its position in the European competition while facing the consequences of the sanctions.
Guardiola arrived accompanied by his assistant Manel Estiarte, and his presence is interpreted as a gesture of total support for the club. Manchester City has filed an appeal to avoid a possible penalty that could range from a financial fine, loss of points, relegation or even expulsion from the Champions League.
The match against PSG promises to be a clash of styles, with City looking to consolidate their position in the group stage and PSG, under Luis Enrique, trying to maintain their dominance in the competition. The result of this match will be crucial in determining the course of both teams in the group stage and for the immediate future of Manchester City, which continues to struggle to overcome the repercussions of financial sanctions.