Enzo Maresca: “I’d call City cheats” if he supported United

Enzo Maresca, manager of Manchester City, said he would describe the club as “cheats” if he were a fan of Manchester United or Arsenal. The comments came after City’s 3-0 win at Anfield on Sunday, their first match since the club were found guilty over more than 100 charges tied to breaches of Premier League financial rules.

Maresca defended the exuberant celebration that followed, but stressed the need to stay focused on Wednesday’s Champions League game, when City host Paris Saint-Germain. “We’re here to win tomorrow’s game,” he said, adding that he doesn’t stress about things he can’t control.

Captain Rúben Dias echoed the message. “We’re very calm… we trust the club and we’re very focused on enjoying football.” Ahead of kick-off, Pep Guardiola is expected at the Etihad to show support for City’s owners. PSG coach Luis Enrique urged respect for the process while arguing that, in football terms, City deserved their trophies between 2009 and 2018.