Enzo Maresca defended the celebrations of Manchester City’s 3‑0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, a match that came just days after an independent commission found the club guilty of all charges relating to serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. The victory, secured by goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many fans questioning the appropriateness of the players’ exuberance amid the club’s ongoing legal battles.
The match was City’s first outing after the guilty verdict, and the post‑match scenes saw the squad celebrating with travelling away fans. Critics accused the players of flaunting the club’s disciplinary situation, while supporters argued that the team should simply enjoy a hard‑earned win. When asked about the celebrations and the backlash ahead of the Champions League clash with Paris Saint‑Germain, Maresca replied that the focus should remain on football. “We won 3‑0 at Anfield. What do you want us to do?” he said. “I am here today; the players are here today to win tomorrow. We work every day to win games. That is the only thing we can think about and focus on. The rest is just things from outside that we need to deal with.” He added that he does not stress over matters beyond his control and that the team’s priority is to perform on the pitch.
City’s appeal of the guilty verdict was lodged on 1 October, and the Premier League’s new rules state that an appeal must be heard within 12 weeks of being filed, with a maximum five‑day hearing period. The club may try to argue that the new rules do not apply, as the charges were brought in 2023, three years before the regulations were introduced. Nevertheless, the appeal panel is expected to conclude by mid‑December. Maresca reiterated his calm stance, saying he is “completely calm and relaxed” and that his main concern is the game plan and training.
Captain Ruben Dias echoed his manager’s sentiment, emphasizing that the win at Anfield was a moment to celebrate regardless of external circumstances. Dias noted that the team held a meeting immediately after the guilty verdict was announced to ensure everyone was on the same page and to maintain focus. “When it broke, we felt we should have a conversation as soon as we got back,” he said. “We did, for everyone to be on the same page and be clear about our peace of mind. We moved on from there.”
Looking ahead, City’s priority remains the Champions League match against Paris Saint‑Germain, while the club continues to navigate the appeal process and the scrutiny that comes with the guilty verdict. The team’s morale appears intact, and both Maresca and the players have stressed that their attention will stay on football, leaving the off‑field controversy to be handled by the club’s legal and administrative departments.