‘We are more together’ – Maresca says Man City scrutiny has united club and reveals conversation with Pep
Enzo Maresca says Manchester City have become even more united amid the ongoing noise around the club and insists he remains completely focused on matters on the pitch.
Maresca also revealed he spoke with former City boss Pep Guardiola after their defeat to PSG, with the Spaniard returning to the stadium for the first time since he was replaced by Maresca this summer.
“I saw him after the game,” Maresca said. “We were talking about the first half, about the second half.
“First of all, he was very happy to be at the stadium and very positive about things he has seen during the game.
“It was great also for the fans to see him at the stadium and this will always be his house.”
Ahead of City’s clash with Ipswich, Maresca was also asked about the continued outside discussion surrounding the club, who have been found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, a verdict which they are appealing.
“I’m quite a respectful person, I respect everyone and everyone can say what they want, but then we can agree or not,” he said.
“I don’t have any problem with people judging the situation.
“I think, from my point of view, the wise way to judge the situation is always to wait for the final words, but I can understand now why people need to speak about this situation.”
Maresca reiterated his complete faith in those running City and said the club had explained the situation clearly to him.
“I completely trust the club so I don’t need people from outside the club to understand the situation,” he said.
“I spoke with the club a few times, they explained to me the situation, the situation is very clear, and I trust the club 100% and the people that run the club and this is the reason why I joined the club.”
The City boss believes the scrutiny has actually strengthened the bond between the team, club and supporters.
“I think probably, since the noise, I can see from my personal point of view, the fans, the club, the team, more together for sure,” Maresca added.
“I’m very happy, I said many times that I don’t feel any kind of stress about the outside situation because it’s something that I don’t control.
“I just focus on how we can try to win the next game.”
