Pep Guardiola mood in Man City training sums up feelings at club after latest charges
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, was seen for the first time after the announcement of the Premier League charge sheet and appeared sad at the club’s training facilities.
On Monday, the governing body of the English Premier League announced that Manchester City, the reigning champions, are facing charges for over 100 violations of their financial regulations.
This follows a four-year investigation into their activities between 2009 and 2018. The outcome of the charges and any potential sanctions for the club are yet to be determined by an independent commission. Despite this, Manchester City has proclaimed their innocence.
A club statement read: “ Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.
“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”
Guardiola, a three-time Premier League champion, has since returned to the training field, but he does not appear pleased. The Spaniard was depicted on a drinks trolley with a miserable expression on his face.
He was also photographed leaning on his hand while observing City’s most recent training session.
It remains to be seen how much the charges are occupying Guardiola’s mind, but he and his team will undoubtedly be mulling over the situation.
Interestingly, the former Barcelona schemer previously stated that he would leave the Etihad club if club officials lied to him about the club’s financial situation.
Speaking in May 2022, he said: “Why did I defend the club and the people? It’s because I work with them. When they are accused of something I ask them: ‘Tell me about that.’ They explain and I believe them.
“I said to them: ‘If you lie to me, the day after I am not here. I will be out and I will not be your friend any more. I put my faith in you because I believe you 100% from day one and I defend the club because of that.”
Pep Guardiola is currently under contract with Manchester City until 2025, having signed a two-year extension a few months ago. At present, his team is 5 points behind the leader in the race for this season’s Premier League title, following their loss to Tottenham.
They will play their next match at home against Aston Villa on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.
Pep Guardiola mood in Man City training sums up feelings at club after latest charges
