Man City say it is business as usual on the pitch, days after an independent commission found them guilty of breaching financial rules.
The panel ruled that City arranged sham contracts to inflate revenues by more than £900m between 2009 and 2018. It also found the club failed to cooperate with its investigation. City deny any wrongdoing and have lodged an appeal.
Maresca keeps focus on football
On the pitch, there is little sign of distraction. Enzo Maresca has worked to keep his players focused on football, and City sit top of the Premier League with a perfect record. On Sunday they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, a tough place to be carrying that kind of baggage.
Erling Haaland, who has described himself as a City fan, has stressed the need for the squad to stay united while the legal fight plays out away from the training ground.
Outside the club, the tone is harsher. Former manager Ian Holloway has called for severe punishments, including stripping City of titles.
For now, Maresca’s side only have to worry about Liverpool. A win at Anfield would stretch that perfect start and give City the best possible reply to the noise around them.
