Manchester City celebrated a 3‑0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, sparking criticism from some quarters due to the club’s recent guilty verdict for breaching Premier League financial rules. In response, manager Enzo Maresca defended the players’ jubilant display, insisting that their reaction was simply a natural response to a win. “We won 3‑0 at Anfield, what do you want us to do?” Maresca told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday. “Even if it had been 1‑0, it would have been the same. We work every day to win games. That’s all we can think about. The rest is just external noise that we have to deal with, but inside the pitch we were so happy and you can’t imagine the atmosphere in the dressing room.”
City’s captain Rúben Dias echoed the manager’s sentiment, saying the squad should be allowed to express their emotions after matches, even while the club’s appeal against the commission’s decision is underway. “I stand by the manager’s words,” Dias said. “We will enjoy the moment and celebrate however it feels. It shows how much it means to us.” He added that the players remain calm and trust the club’s direction despite the uncertainty surrounding their future.
The win came after City’s first match since the guilty verdict, a result that has intensified the debate over whether the club should face sanctions such as stripping titles. Steven Gerrard has called for City to be punished, while Maresca has focused on keeping the squad focused amid the controversy. He noted that the fans may find the situation more difficult to accept than the players, saying, “If I were an Arsenal or United fan and you’re a City fan, I would say ‘hey, you cheated.’ It’s probably tougher for them, but we were happy inside the changing room.”
City will look to carry that momentum into their next home game against reigning European champions Paris Saint‑Germain at the Etihad Stadium. The club’s appeal remains pending, and the outcome will determine whether the team can continue to compete without further penalties. For now, the focus for City is on maintaining performance on the pitch while navigating the legal and public relations challenges that accompany their recent disciplinary ruling.