Maresca refuses to discuss Manchester City allegations before appeal verdict

Enzo Maresca says he will not comment further on the allegations facing Manchester City until the club’s appeal process has concluded.

Manchester City are preparing to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in the sixth round of the Premier League.

“I understand why most of you are here, but the only thing I can say is what I have already said,” Manchester City manager Maresca told a news conference. “There is an ongoing process and, at this moment, I have complete trust in the club. That is all I can say on the matter.”

Maresca added: “I trust the club because I trust the people in it. That is the reason I decided to join.”

Asked what would happen if the appeal were successful, he said: “We are trying to predict the future, and we do not know what it will bring. The only thing I can say is that we have to respect the process. There is an appeal under way and we will see what happens.”

Maresca was also asked whether he would remain at Manchester City if the club were relegated.

“There is no other club in the world where I would rather be,” he replied. “I am very happy and extremely proud to be here, and I have said that since the first day.”

He said his previous visit to the club had come during the season in which Manchester City won the treble.

“I understand the effort made by the players, the club and the manager. I know how much work the club put in to achieve that target,” he said.

“Do I feel that achievement has been tainted? Absolutely not. Do I feel sympathy for the players? For me, the players only have control over the football. That is what we are focusing on, because that is the part we can control.”

Maresca said his decision to join Manchester City had been based on “100% trust” in the owner, sporting director, chief executive and the entire organisation.

Asked whether he had received personal assurances from the club’s owner Sheikh Mansour, he said: “Of course I have spoken to the club. We all trust the situation, and the right time to talk about it will be when we win the appeal.”

Maresca also revealed that his most recent conversation with Pep Guardiola came after the Manchester United match. Guardiola is expected to visit on Tuesday.

“After 10 years here, he can come whenever he wants, not only for matches but for training or at any other time,” Maresca said. “It will be great for him, the fans and everyone.”

On the trip to Anfield, Maresca said City faced a difficult test and would need to focus on securing victory despite the stadium’s distinctive atmosphere.

He confirmed Erling Haaland was fit after spending two or three days in Marbella, where he played golf and completed recovery work.

“He is ready for Anfield,” said Maresca. “He was good, and now the players’ focus is on the national teams, some rest and then returning to work.”