Enzo Maresca posted a nine-word statement on Instagram around an hour before it was reported that Manchester City have been found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. The Italian head coach took charge at the Etihad this summer following Pep Guardiola's departure.
Maresca's social media post
Sharing a photograph of his bare feet touching grass, Maresca wrote: "Time to breathe. Time to analyse. Time to learn." He also shared a quote by Socrates which read: "The only thing I know is that I know nothing," alongside photos of his home and a meeting with friends.
The post came around an hour before the Premier League learned the outcome of Manchester City's pending 115 charges case. Maresca's words appear in no way related to the bombshell claims which rocked the footballing world on Friday afternoon.
City's start to the season
Maresca has only been at the helm of the Cityzens for a matter of months. However, he has managed to work wonders on the pitch, City sitting top of the Premier League standings after five games, winning each of their five opening fixtures thus far.
Guilty verdict and potential sanctions
The club have been found guilty of all but one of those charges and will now be penalised by the EFL after a long and drawn-out saga spanning three years. City are likely to appeal the decision, given they have consistently refuted any wrongdoing.
A spokesperson for the club said: "The Premier League process remains ongoing, with significant elements to be completed, and subject to strict confidentiality. As such, Manchester City FC’s position remains consistent with the Club’s statement of February 2023.
"The Club has diligently respected due process for eight years on the basis that the Premier League Board and Executive would behave as an independent, impartial and fair-minded regulator, free from partisan influence."
While it is unknown exactly what punishment the league will cast upon City, due to no club in history committing the number of breaches which City have, penalties could include point deductions, hefty fines and transfer bans. More extreme punishments could also include relegation from the Premier League and the club being stripped of all of their titles between 2009 and 2018, when the alleged breaches took place.
