MANCHESTER — Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has insisted that his players remain focused and excited ahead of their upcoming matches against Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, despite growing scrutiny surrounding the club’s financial affairs.
Maresca said the squad was concentrating on football and remained confident in the club’s leadership as City prepared to return to competitive action following the international break.
City will travel to Anfield on Sunday, October 11, for a Premier League encounter with Liverpool before hosting Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, October 14.
Speaking in an interview published on Manchester City’s official website on Thursday, Maresca said the players were eager to face the challenges ahead and were not allowing external criticism to distract them from their responsibilities.
“The feeling is fantastic, to be honest,” Maresca said, adding that the players were excited about the two upcoming fixtures, particularly because City were leading the Premier League table.
Maresca Plays Down Off-Field Distractions
The manager’s comments come amid renewed controversy following an independent commission’s findings that Manchester City breached numerous Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period.
The findings have placed the club under intense scrutiny, with possible sanctions still to be determined. City have appealed the decision and continue to dispute the findings, maintaining that the commission’s conclusions contain material errors.
Maresca said he trusted the club’s leadership and believed the squad understood the importance of concentrating on matters within its control.
“Personally, I’m very calm, to be honest. The club has been quite clear. We trust completely the club,” he said.
He added that the team recognised the criticism surrounding the club but remained focused on preparations for its upcoming matches.
The manager’s remarks appear intended to maintain unity within the squad as City approach a demanding period of the season.
Liverpool Clash Presents Major Test
City’s visit to Liverpool will be one of the weekend’s headline Premier League fixtures, with both clubs seeking important points as the campaign progresses.
The match is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. British time on Sunday at Anfield, where the hosts will look to take advantage of home support against the league leaders.
City have won their opening five league matches, giving them a perfect start to the campaign. Liverpool, meanwhile, have recorded two wins and three draws from their first five games.
Maresca acknowledged the challenge of playing at Anfield and said the team would need to work collectively with its supporters to secure a positive result.
He stressed that the squad’s immediate objective was to prepare effectively and compete strongly against Liverpool rather than become distracted by developments away from the pitch.
The encounter will also provide an opportunity for City to maintain their winning run and reinforce their position at the top of the table.
PSG Await In Champions League
Following the Liverpool fixture, City will turn their attention to Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League meeting at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
The French side will present another demanding test for Maresca’s team, which will be seeking to maintain its momentum across domestic and European competitions.
The close scheduling of the two matches means City must manage preparation, recovery and tactical adjustments carefully.
Maresca said the players were enthusiastic about the challenge, indicating that the prospect of facing two major European clubs had helped maintain the squad’s focus.
The manager will be hoping that the team’s positive start to the season translates into strong performances in both competitions.
City Seek Unity Amid Financial Controversy
The financial case remains an important issue surrounding Manchester City, with the club’s appeal and the question of potential sanctions still unresolved.
However, Maresca has made clear that the team intends to continue preparing and competing while the legal process unfolds.
His message reflects the club’s effort to separate its on-field objectives from the ongoing controversy and maintain concentration during a critical stage of the season.
With Liverpool first and PSG following three days later, City face a demanding test of their consistency and ability to handle pressure.
For Maresca, the immediate priority remains football: preparing his players, maintaining their confidence and attempting to secure victories in two high-profile encounters.
