Pep Guardiola has thrown his support behind Manchester City after the club were found guilty of all charges of breaching Premier League financial rules over a nine-year period, telling fans: “We will get through this together.”
Guardiola's message to supporters
Guardiola left City in the summer after a trophy-laden decade in charge, with his first two seasons falling within the period investigated by the independent commission. The Spaniard remains a close ally of the chief executive, Ferran Soriano, who brought him to England, the pair having previously worked together at Barcelona. City maintain their innocence and are set to appeal against the decision before Friday’s deadline.
“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” Guardiola posted on social media. “I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
Guardiola's tenure and trust in ownership
Twenty trophies were won in the 10 years Guardiola managed City and he was frequently asked about the charges that hung over the club for much of his tenure. The 55-year-old has consistently reiterated his faith in what he was told by the club’s Abu Dhabi ownership while the investigation was ongoing, with charges first brought against the club in February 2023. “I trust them,” Guardiola said in May. “I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did.”
Upon Guardiola’s departure, it was confirmed that he would continue as a global ambassador for City Football Group, which would involve him giving “technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations”.
Former chair calls for board to stand down
Meanwhile, David Bernstein, City’s former chair, has described the situation at City as “beyond awful” and called for the current board to stand down.
“I can’t think of a penalty strong enough for this, really. I mean, this is absolutely terrible,” said Bernstein, who was City’s chair between 1998 and 2003. “I want to raise another question, and that is the position of the board of directors. Because the directors of the club, including the chief executive, who’s been there for years and went through this period, are responsible for the running of the club in every respect.”
“If this was a public company of some sort, the directors would have to stand down or be suspended pending the outcome of all this, appeal or no appeal. I don’t think the present management can credibly continue.”
