Pep Guardiola’s recent comments about the future of Manchester City have raised some eyebrows among the fans of the English club. These comments come ahead of a crucial trial against the club for 115 financial rule-break charges.
Guardiola recently talked about the current situation of his side and the support of the fans. However, the Spaniard didn’t sound hopeful regarding the future of the club. Fabrizio Romano shared some excerpts of Guardiola’s conference to send the alarm bells ringing.
🔵 Pep Guardiola’s message to City fans: “We won a lot, and in the future understand this is an exception. It’s not normal to win the Treble, five PL’s in six years”.
“Continue to enjoy but when the bad moments are coming this season, or next, you have to be there”. pic.twitter.com/X81tdmEwBJ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 3, 2023
The Spanish manager stated: “Of course, we won a lot and, in the future, maybe you have to understand in the mind that this is an exception. It’s not normal to win the treble, it’s not normal to win five Premier Leagues in six years. You have to understand that – OK, continue to enjoy – but if the bad moments are coming this season and the next one and the next one, you have to be there.”
These concerning remarks got the fans talking about the upcoming trial between Manchester City and the Premier League in front of an independent panel. The top-flight league has charged the defending champions with 115 alleged breaches of financial regulations for an investigation that was opened in 2018. If Manchester City are found guilty, they might face a huge point deduction from the Premier League in the current season.
“It’s just not right” – @AndyBurnhamGM on Everton’s 10 point deduction 👊🏻💙pic.twitter.com/E75m4QDSwu
— 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 (@EvertonNewsFeed) November 27, 2023
Everton recently received a 10-point deduction for breaches of financial sustainability rules. In comparison, Manchester City’s charges are bigger, which might result in an even bigger penalty. This can lead to relegation to the second division of the English soccer tier. Fans were quick to add two and two together and point out that Guardiola is preparing City fans to enjoy the current spell at the top before the inevitable penalties from the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City fans will support his team even in bad times
These concerning remarks from Guardiola were followed by hope. The Spaniard showed faith in the fan base of Manchester City by pointing at Maine Road, the previous home stadium of the blue side of Manchester from 1923 to 2003.
Pep Guardiola added: “And I’m pretty sure they’ll be there because it’s a club that has come from Maine Road and from being in mid-table, not fighting for the titles. They were there all the time. I was not here but the people talk to me. So if it’s coming back down a little, ‘Come on, let’s go.’ Do what you have to do to come back there on top of the league and don’t be down for a long time.”
🚨 BREAKING: Manchester City and the Premier League agree date for trial over 115 financial rule-break charges. The trial is expected to begin in the late autumn of next year.
A verdict would be likely around the summer of 2025.
City are accused of breaching 115 regulations… pic.twitter.com/ynClvyARZW— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) November 30, 2023
Manchester City’s rise to the top of English soccer came after the 2008 takeover by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour. Since the takeover, Manchester City has won seven Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, and three FA Cup titles. The dominance shifted from Manchester United to Manchester City in 10 years. The dominance might shift back to the red side of Manchester if the trial goes against Manchester City.