Enzo Maresca confident Manchester City will win appeal as Erling Haaland declared fit for Liverpool

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca says he believes the club will win its appeal against the charges hanging over them, but insists his attention is focused exclusively on football before Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield.

Maresca, who previously worked at City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant, said he trusted the people responsible for the club and believed they were confident of a favourable outcome.

“I trust the club because I know the people,” Maresca said. “But I promise you that my focus is just about football. I’m not thinking about different things. I just focus on the things I control, which is the football side.”

The manager said City’s legal position had not been raised during the recruitment process that brought him to the club. He added that his understanding was that those overseeing the case believed the appeal would be successful.

Maresca refused to discuss the possible consequences of an unsuccessful appeal, saying the legal process should be allowed to continue before any conclusions are drawn.

“There is an appeal ongoing. We’ll see what happens,” he said.

With uncertainty still surrounding the club, Maresca also emphasised the importance of togetherness among City’s players, supporters and hierarchy.

“In this moment, it’s also a matter of sticking together,” he said. “The most important thing is we continue to do the right things.”

City’s immediate challenge is a demanding visit to Anfield, where they will face Liverpool in an atmosphere Maresca acknowledged would create significant pressure.

The manager believes his squad has enough experience to cope with the occasion, while accepting the scale of the test awaiting them.

“It will be a tough game for sure, a tough test. We need to be ready,” Maresca said. “It will be our duty to do our best and win the game.”

Maresca also confirmed Erling Haaland would be available for the match after the striker spent part of the international break in Marbella.

Haaland had two or three days away from football, including time playing golf, before completing recovery work. Maresca said the forward was now prepared to return to action at Anfield.

“He’s good. He had two or three days off, played golf and had some recovery. He’s ready for Anfield,” Maresca said.