EPL: Guardiola backs Man City on 115 financial charges before exit

Pep Guardiola says he trusts Manchester City over the ongoing 115 financial charges facing the club as he prepares to leave the Premier League champions.

Guardiola, who announced on Friday that he will step down after 10 years at the Etihad Stadium, addressed the long-running case involving alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations between 2009 and 2018.

The Premier League charged Manchester City in February 2023 following a four-year investigation. The club has consistently denied all allegations and insists it has “irrefutable evidence” to support its defence.

As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, speaking about the situation, Guardiola said he has always trusted the club’s leadership and believes they acted properly throughout the period under investigation.

“I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did,” Guardiola said.

The Spaniard took charge of City in 2016, meaning there was a two-year overlap between his tenure and the period being investigated. However, Guardiola stressed that many current members of the coaching staff and playing squad were not involved at the time.

“There will be a resolution, but nobody from the staff, the backroom staff or mainly the players and the manager was here,” he added.

During his decade in charge, Guardiola guided Manchester City to major success, winning 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles, as well as domestic cup competitions this season.

The 55-year-old is expected to remain connected to the club as an ambassador for City Football Group after leaving his managerial role. He also revealed plans to take a break from coaching before considering his next move in football.

Despite continued speculation surrounding the charges, the independent commission is yet to release its final verdict more than three years after the case was opened.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PidomNigeria.

Contact: [email protected]