Man City manager Enzo Maresca delivers a sharp message amid rival teams not wanting City to win following financial rule violations,
On 16 Oct 2026 GMT+7, Enzo Maresca, manager of Manchester City, spoke at a press conference ahead of the seventh week of the English Premier League, hosting newly promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday, 17 Oct 2026 GMT+7.
Manchester City was found guilty of 114 out of 115 charges in the Premier League's financial regulation breach case covering 2009-2018. The club is appealing the charges and has faced calls to be expelled from the league or relegated.
Nevertheless, City remains the only team to win all six opening matches of the 2026-27 Premier League season, collecting a perfect 18 points and leading the table by three points over defending champions Arsenal. They recently thrashed Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield last week.
It appears Manchester City players are beginning to accept that most Premier League fans do not want them to win. Ruben Dias recently said this has become a key motivator driving their determination on the pitch.
On this matter, Enzo Maresca said, "Ruben said people dislike it when City wins, but we like being winners. I think that sends a good message for everyone since the criticism began."
"I see clearly that the fans, the club, and the team have become more united. In my view, the smartest way to judge any situation is to wait for the final conclusion first."
"However, I understand that people want to talk about this now, but I don't need outsiders to help me understand what is happening."
"I don’t feel any pressure from outside because it is beyond my control."