Pep Guardiola has publicly backed Manchester City after the club was found guilty of 114 of the 115 financial charges brought by the Premier League. The former manager, now serving as an ambassador for City Football Group, released a statement on X, saying: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters."
Guardiola's New Role and Statement
Guardiola, who managed City for a decade and won 20 trophies, left the Etihad Stadium last summer. His ambassador role with City Football Group was confirmed before the final game of last season. City said his responsibilities 'will see him giving technical advice to the clubs in the group, working on specific projects and collaborations'.
In his statement, Guardiola added: "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all." The post, accompanied by photos of City's Champions League and Premier League triumphs, has been seen almost 10 million times.
Punishment Still Undecided
A punishment for City has yet to be decided, pending an appeal. Some have suggested stripping titles won between 2009 and 2018, but the Premier League and its clubs are not necessarily pursuing that course. The club maintains its innocence.
Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports News, said he believes City should have their trophies from the nine-year period stripped. "I feel for the players... they'll almost feel like a lot of their career is going to have an asterisk, or a lot of people will be calling it a sham," he said. "The players were told everything was fine, they would never get done for anything. What the hierarchy are coming out with now, they're just gaslighting. I think the titles should be taken off their list."
