Enzo Maresca says Manchester City are stronger as a club and as a team as a result of the guilty verdict in the 115 case. City have been cast as the pariahs of English football since news of their cheating broke three weeks ago, but it has already galvanised a new-look squad.
Dressing room reaction and leadership
City CEO Ferran Soriano addressed players when they came back from international duty last week, but captain Ruben Dias has also set the tone in the dressing room, suggesting that nobody has liked City winning for years but it is their job to.
Maresca told his players to 'make their own noise' and they caused further outrage last weekend when they went to Anfield and won 3-0 before celebrating with their fans. City supporters made a special effort for both the Liverpool and PSG games with inflatable bananas back in the stands, and the manager has seen a difference.
Manager's message on the noise
"There is noise around the club but we need to try and make our noise and that means win at Anfield and to try to win tomorrow (against Ipswich). This is the way we can make our noise. This different kind of noise, we are not able to control that," he said.
"I think Ruben said that people don't like City winning but we like to win. I think that it's a good message for everyone. Since the noise, I can see from my personal point of view the fans, the club, the team more together but we will see."
Title race implications
City could go six points clear at the top of the table with victory over Ipswich on Saturday. Arsenal are away to Forest on Sunday while third place Brighton host Crystal Palace.
