Guardiola expected at Manchester City v PSG next week in show of support for owners

Pep Guardiola is expected to attend Manchester City’s first home match since they were found guilty of serious breaches of Premier League financial rules when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

It would be the former head coach’s first return since leaving in the summer after 10 years. Guardiola’s attendance is regarded as a show of support for City’s hierarchy after the guilty verdicts that have rocked the club.

Guardiola wrote on social media last week: “I want every single fan 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 CEO], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca, the head coach] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”

The Catalan took on a role as a City Football Group ambassador when he departed as head coach. Guardiola was a close ally of Soriano, who brought him to Manchester, the pair having worked together at Barcelona.

Guardiola faced regular questions during his tenure over City’s financial conduct after they were charged by the Premier League in 2023 and always reiterated his belief in what he was told by those above him. City deny wrongdoing and have appealed against the verdict of an independent commission.

On Sunday City play at Liverpool in their first game since the verdict was announced. It is expected to be a fiery occasion, with the animosity between the clubs heightened after the judgment.