Maresca understands why City supporters may have suffered

Enzo Maresca said Manchester City supporters may have suffered more than the players and coaching staff from the consequences of the club’s Premier League case involving 115 financial charges. He was speaking after City’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The coach summed up how the club’s rivals might view the situation: “If I were an Arsenal or United supporter, I would say City are cheats.” City’s players were greeted by whistles and chants of “Relegation, relegation!” at Anfield, amid speculation about possible sanctions after the club was found to have breached the league’s financial rules. The club denied committing breaches and appealed the decision.

Maresca also acknowledged that the situation may have weighed more heavily on supporters than on the players or himself. Following the win over the Reds, Manchester City continued its perfect start to the Premier League season and held a three-point lead at the top before Wednesday’s home Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain.

The coach also defended City’s celebrations on the Anfield pitch, saying he could not understand criticism from some media outlets and supporters of other teams after a big win over a rival.