Pep Guardiola is planning a surprise return to the Etihad Stadium in a show of solidarity with his former club Manchester City, who are facing a crisis after being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
The Spanish coach is expected to attend City's next home match against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 14. Guardiola has reportedly told senior club officials he wants to "be with his people".
Return amid club crisis
City have been plunged into turmoil since an independent commission found them guilty of all charges related to violations of the Premier League's financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The club maintains its innocence and has lodged an appeal.
Guardiola stepped down as manager at the end of last season and has been taking a break from football in Barcelona. During his decade at the helm, he won 20 trophies, though his legacy is now overshadowed by the fact that some of that success came during the period under investigation.
Guardiola's message of support
Guardiola was in charge throughout the entire four-year investigation and was repeatedly questioned about the matter, but always said club bosses had assured him there had been no wrongdoing.
Earlier this week, he posted a message of support for his former club on social media. Guardiola, who managed City between 2016 and 2026, said: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever."
He added: "I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran (Soriano, CEO), the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear - we will get through this together. I love you all."
Club appeals verdict
In a statement on Friday confirming their appeal, City said: "The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe."
The statement continued: "The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case. We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete."
