Pep Guardiola will attend Manchester City's Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain at the Etihad on October 14, marking his first public return to the ground since leaving the club at the end of the 2025/26 season. The fixture is City's first in the competition since the conclusion of the Premier League's financial inquiry, and it takes place amid significant off-pitch focus following the regulatory commission's recent ruling.
Guilty verdict and appeal
On September 25, an independent commission found City guilty of 114 out of 115 Premier League financial charges dating between 2009 and 2018. The club deny the verdict and have formally lodged an appeal, maintaining that "a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence" exists to prove their innocence.
City enter the European fixture following a 3-0 Premier League victory against Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. Enzo Maresca's team secured the win via second-half goals from Erling Haaland, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki after Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch was sent off.
Guardiola's statement and past comments
Following the charges verdict, Guardiola issued an official public statement on September 30, stating: "I want every single fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be, behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters."
During his time as manager, Guardiola was questioned about the inquiries. In May 2022, he explained his demand for honesty from City's board: "I said to them: 'If you lie to me, the day after I am not here.'" In that same press briefing, he said: "I put my faith in you because I believe you 100 per cent from day one and I defend the club because of that."
Return to the stands
Now, he is set to return to his former club and support them from the stands. During his decade at City between 2016 and 2026, Guardiola won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles and the 2022/23 Champions League.
Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on October 14. Fans can watch the game live on TNT Sports via HBO Max or Prime Video's TNT Sports channel.
