Enzo Maresca has reportedly issued a defiant 15-word message to his Manchester City players as they prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield. According to the Daily Mail, he told them: "Forget the noise, we're here to win a league. Let's go and win the league."
Pressure mounts after panel verdict
The Premier League and many of its clubs are targeting City after an independent panel found them guilty of breaching 114 rules. City deny any wrongdoing and have launched an appeal against the verdict, which could lead to severe sanctions if upheld, including a points deduction, expulsion from the Premier League, and the removal of titles.
With Liverpool having been runners-up to many of City's successes over the last 15 years, a febrile atmosphere is expected at Anfield for the 4.30pm kick-off. Preparing his side for what could be a toxic environment is one of the biggest tests of Maresca's managerial career.
Maresca's no-nonsense approach
Maresca's communication style—described as stalking the dressing room while repeating mantras over and over, louder and louder—has gone down well with the players, who are said to be 'ready to go to war' for their manager.
He struck a similar tone in his pre-match press conference, urging his players to focus on matters on the pitch. The Italian said: "For me and the players, we can control just the pitch, the football side. We are focused on that. This what we can control. We cannot control something different. Viewing the environment in the last two days, I am not worried at all. The environment of the players is nice."
City top of the league
"In this moment we are top of the league, so the players have all the reasons to be happy and excited. It will be a tough game for sure, a tough test, but we need to be ready," Maresca added.
He spoke confidently of the club's position, reiterating their belief that they will succeed in their appeal. He said: "I trust the club because I know the people but I promise you my focus is just about football. I am not thinking about different things, first of all because I don’t understand much about different things. I just focus on the things I can control and that is the football side."
Guardiola's backing
Former manager Pep Guardiola also expressed his backing, declaring his support for "my club" and insisting "we will get through this together." The Spaniard is set to return to the Etihad for the first time since standing down last summer by attending the Champions League game against Paris St Germain.
Maresca said: "I spoke with Pep the last time after the Man Utd game. I know he is coming on Wednesday. It is always a pleasure. After 10 years here he can come any time he wants, not just for a game but for a training session, at any moment. It will be nice for him and the fans, for everyone."
