Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Man City changes with clear message to owners

Pep Guardiola is backing Manchester City to clear their name despite being found guilty of 114 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. Guardiola walked away from City - who continue to strongly deny the charges and maintain that they'll prove their innocence through an appeal - at the end of last season, having spent 10 years as manager.

Breaking his silence in a post on social media, the former City boss declared: "I want every single Man City 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 [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.

"Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."

Guardiola stated on several occasions that he believed the City hierarchy's stance that the club is innocent. But Tuesday's report published by the Premier League outlined how City had been found guilty of inflating commercial revenue and reducing costs by £900million, as well as misstating accounts and concealing their true finances between 2009 and 2018.

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Speaking before leaving the Etihad in May, Guardiola reiterated: "I trust them. I spoke with them and trust how they behave and how they did. What happened, happened."

Previously, the 55-year-old said: "I believe what they say to me and the reasons why. I said, 'okay, let's see.' I cannot say [any more] yet because we're awaiting the sentence in February or March – I don't know when – but, at the same time, I like it.

"I read something about the situation and how we need to be relegated immediately. Seventy-five per cent of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes."

Will Manchester City win their appeal? Have your say in the comments section.

Both CEO Soriano and chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak have issued statements to ensure fans that City remain confident that they'll win their three-and-a-half-year legal battle with the Premier League. City were first charged in February 2023, with a hearing taking place across 42 days in late 2024.