EPL managers cautious after Man City guilty verdict

The Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City football club, is pictured in Manchester, north-west England on September 30, 2026. Photo by OLI SCARFF / AFP

Premier League managers have been asked about Manchester City’s financial-rule verdict as the top flight prepares to return this weekend.

City were found guilty of breaching the majority of the 115 financial rules they had been accused of breaking, although the club has appealed the decision.

As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard, who spent the 2014-15 season with Manchester City, was cautious when asked about the case.

Lampard said he would “wait and see” what happens with City’s appeal before offering a stronger opinion.

We’ve all seen the news, it’s obviously big news, Man City are appealing. I guess my reaction is that, right?

“What can you say when an appeal is going on? I’m not inside the story, I’m outside it completely. I played for Man City a long time ago now, for one year. We’ll wait and see what the result of the appeal is and onwards. I don’t know the timelines at all.”

“I don’t know, for Man City? I’m outside the loop. I have this job and my, not problems, but things I need to work on and I always respect a manager for whatever situation, there are a lot of things you don’t know. This is obviously something we do know but they are obviously a huge football club now, a huge squad of quality players so we will see.”

• UK PM faces pressure over Man City comments
• PHOTOS: Arsenal teenager Dowman sets three Guinness World Records, receives certificates
• Guardiola set for first Etihad return since leaving Man City

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke also avoided making a detailed comment, saying there were “more qualified people” than him to discuss the matter.

“Not my topic. My topic is football. There are more qualified people to speak on this.

“It makes no sense if right now everyone wants to have an opinion about this topic. There are more qualified people to talk about this. It’s nothing to do with me, I was not involved in the title race during those years,” he said.

The verdict has placed renewed attention on Manchester City, with manager Enzo Maresca due to face the media on Friday.

Maresca appeared relaxed earlier in the week, smiling as he arrived at training ahead of City’s trip to Liverpool. Several members of the squad were also seen arriving at the training ground.

City’s meeting with Liverpool on Sunday will therefore provide the backdrop to Maresca’s first major media appearance since the verdict, with questions about the case expected to dominate the press conference.

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.