Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca defended his team’s exuberant celebrations after a 3‑0 win over Liverpool at Anfield, saying the joy was simply a natural response to a hard‑earned victory. The match came on the heels of an independent commission’s verdict that found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, a decision City is appealing. Maresca’s comments were made at a press conference ahead of the club’s Champions League clash with Paris St‑Germain, the first home game since the guilty ruling.
Maresca, who has taken over from former manager Pep Guardiola, was asked why the team’s celebrations were being criticised. He replied, “What do you want us to do?” and explained that the players focus on winning each game and that the emotions on the pitch are a natural part of that. He added that the joy felt in the dressing room was hard to describe and that external criticism is something the club must deal with. The coach also praised the club’s history, noting that Guardiola had built a “house” at the Etihad over ten years and that the team was excited to continue that legacy.
City captain Ruben Dias echoed the manager’s sentiment, saying he stood by Maresca’s words and that the win at Anfield was a “show of how much it means to us.” Dias added that the club remained calm and trusted the club’s leadership despite the financial verdict. The captain’s comments came as City prepared to host Paris St‑Germain in the Champions League, a match that will test the squad’s resilience after the controversy.
The independent commission’s findings have sparked media scrutiny and fan debate, with pundits questioning whether the celebrations were excessive. Maresca dismissed these concerns, stating that the team’s priority is to win matches and that the joy on the field is a natural reaction. He also hinted that the club’s future, including the potential return of Guardiola to the Etihad, would be a source of excitement for fans worldwide.
Guardiola, who stepped aside at the end of last season after a decade of success, posted a message to fans on social media, expressing his commitment to the club and reassuring supporters that the team would overcome the challenges ahead. The club’s appeal against the guilty verdict remains pending, and the outcome will determine whether City faces further sanctions or continues to compete in the Premier League and Europe.