Luis Enrique says Manchester City should keep trophies despite financial breaches verdict

Paris St-Germain manager Luis Enrique says Manchester City deserve to retain the trophies they won during the period covered by the club’s Premier League financial breaches case.

City were found guilty of the majority of 115 charges by an independent commission over alleged breaches between 2009 and 2018. The club deny wrongdoing and have appealed against the verdict, while any sanctions have yet to be announced.

Speaking before PSG’s Champions League visit to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Enrique said he had been surprised by the commission’s findings but believed the legal process should be allowed to conclude.

“If I speak only about football and the things I saw on the pitch, they deserved those trophies,” he said.

“I love the way they play football. The trophies you win on the pitch remain on the pitch. They deserved to win that and I hope they can avoid the sanction. But we have to wait.”

The Premier League case centres on allegations that City overstated their income through commercial agreements and understated their costs. The league claims more than 830 million pounds was directed into the club’s football operations through arrangements it described as “sham” contracts.

The possible penalties include financial fines, points deductions, relegation and the removal of titles. However, no punishment has been confirmed.

Wednesday’s meeting with the reigning European champions will be Manchester City’s first home match since the guilty verdict was announced. The fixture therefore comes with renewed attention on the club’s off-field position as they face a major European challenge.

Enrique also has a personal relationship with former City manager Pep Guardiola, who is expected to attend the match for the first time since leaving the club at the end of last season.

Guardiola won 20 trophies during his decade in Manchester. Enrique said any private discussions with his former colleague and friend would remain away from public scrutiny.

PSG forward Ousmane Dembele rejected the suggestion that the uncertainty around Manchester City could make them less difficult to beat.

“It’s always difficult regardless of it being a good moment or a bad moment,” the France international said.

“They have a high-quality team, world-class players and a top coach as well. It doesn’t really matter. It’s always tough playing Manchester City.”