Premier League: Guardiola backs Man City amid financial scandal as Klopp reacts to charges

Manchester City were recently found guilty of breaching the Premier League’s financial regulations, prompting significant and widespread fallout.

An independent commission ruled that the club arranged fraudulent commercial agreements in order to inflate its revenue by almost £1 billion between 2009-10 and 2017-18.

In the wake of that news, former manager Pep Guardiola – who led the Citizens during a trophy-laden spell from 2016 to 2026 – issued a public statement in support of Man City’s ownership, staff and players.

Ex-Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, now in charge of the German national team, was more reserved when questioned about the evolving scandal.

Man City, meanwhile, have lodged an appeal.

Guardiola offers support

In a post on social media, Guardiola stated: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.

“I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.

“Let me be clear: we will get through this together.

“I love you all.”

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Klopp stays neutral

Ahead of Germany’s Nations League clash against Serbia in Munich on Thursday, Klopp said on Sky Sports: “I really haven’t given it much thought, but of course I’ve noticed it.

“I also remember what I said: ‘If there’s ever a victory parade, I’ll be there’. It doesn’t feel like that anymore.

“I have huge respect for Pep Guardiola and the football City played during the time we were up against them. The sort of football they put on the pitch, the sort of opponents they were for us – it’s far too big, the standard is far too high.

“If any sanctions are imposed, I’ve got nothing to do with it. And that’s why I’m waiting to see what happens.

“The legal proceedings have been going on for a long time. I assume there will be an appeal, which will take ages. I’m a long way from preparing myself for it in any way, and I’ve got absolutely no sense of it.

“I don’t need to be Premier League champions a few more times. I’m completely happy with what we’ve achieved.

“We battled it out on the pitch, and I can’t say anything about the rest because I don’t know exactly what it’s all about. To be honest, I’m not interested either.”

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