Pep Guardiola stated on Friday that Manchester City are presumed innocent until proved guilty of more than one hundred charges of violating the financial regulations of the English Premier League.
A decade ago, Everton suffered an unprecedented 10-point deduction for violating the profitability and sustainability regulations.
By a single point, Champions City have a one-point advantage over Arsenal and Liverpool, whom they will be hosting on Saturday.
“Why should I not believe (we are innocent)?” asked reporters on Friday, a sardonic Guardiola. “The lawyers are responsible for presenting the defense before the judge.” We await and then approve the proposed resolutions.”
A similar penalty befalling City has incited an outcry from supporters of teams throughout the division, in response to Everton’s sanction.
City was accused prior to Everton in February; their case is still pending.
The sanction-book of the impartial commission supervising the case extends from monetary penalties and deductions of points to expulsion from the English Premier League. Constantly, the club has disputed any financial wrongdoing.
“Since I am unaware of the entire truth regarding what transpired, I shall remain silent on Everton. “The two situations are entirely dissimilar,” Guardiola stated.
“I am aware that the public desires Man City to be disciplined… Both I see and feel that. It is not uncommon for individuals to inquire, “Why doesn’t City advance to the Conference?” (the lowest division of the English football pyramid and the National League). Nonetheless, we should wait. It is two distinct cases that are not identical. “One of them is more lengthy and intricate.”
Guardiola was asked if he would resign if Manchester City were demoted from the treble. Guardiola led City to their first Champions League title last season, becoming the second English club after Manchester United to accomplish the feat.
“You are interrogating me as if we have been disciplined. “We are innocent at this time,” the Spaniard stated. “There is more chance I will stay if we are in League One than if we win the Champions League.”
Klopp excited
Juergen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, stated that the top-of-the-table match is so exciting that he would watch it from anywhere in the globe. However, he added that a single game does not determine his squad’s title hopes.
“It’s not a test on how close we get to City, it’s just a really super exciting game, I would watch it wherever on the planet,” Klopp indicated to reporters.
“We recognize the importance of adequately preparing for the situation and exerting our utmost effort in order to secure a chance.” “We shall observe.”
Klopp’s squad has maintained a perfect record in their previous five contests. “We performed well in many games,” he stated.
City, who have amassed 28 points after 12 matches, have established a stronghold at Etihad Stadium by triumphing in 23 consecutive games across all competitions.