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Man City: Guardiola backs former club after financial charges – but Klopp remains neutral

Manchester City have lodged an appeal after an independent commission found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.

Man City allegedly used “sham” commercial agreements to inflate their revenue and reduce expenses by almost £1 billion between 2009-10 and 2017-18.

Former boss Pep Guardiola has since publicly backed the club’s ownership, while ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp struck a more cautious tone when asked about the case.

Guardiola backs City

In a post on his social media, Guardiola stated: “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 [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.”

Klopp avoids drama

Speaking in the lead-up to Germany’s Nations League match against Serbia in Munich on Thursday, Die Mannschaft head coach Klopp chose to remain neutral.

“I really haven’t given it much thought, but of course I’ve noticed it,” he said on Sky Sports.

“I also remember what I said: ‘If there’s ever a victory parade, I’ll be there’. It doesn’t feel like that anymore.

“I have huge respect for Pep Guardiola and the football City played during the time we were up against them. The sort of football they put on the pitch, the sort of opponents they were for us – it’s far too big, the standard is far too high.

“If any sanctions are imposed, I’ve got nothing to do with it. And that’s why I’m waiting to see what happens.

“The legal proceedings have been going on for a long time. I assume there will be an appeal, which will take ages. I’m a long way from preparing myself for it in any way, and I’ve got absolutely no sense of it.

“I don’t need to be Premier League champions a few more times. I’m completely happy with what we’ve achieved.

“We battled it out on the pitch, and I can’t say anything about the rest because I don’t know exactly what it’s all about. To be honest, I’m not interested either.”