Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has called on his squad to stay focused and positive as they trained together for the first time since the club was found guilty of the majority of 115 Premier League charges. The club's international players returned to training on Thursday, nine days after the Premier League's report stated City used "sham" contracts to disguise over £830m in secret funding.
Maresca reportedly asked his players not to let the club's situation affect their attitude and focus as the Premier League campaign resumes this weekend. Striker Erling Haaland echoed his manager's sentiments, telling Sky Sports, "We have to stick together and spread the love to each other. Enjoy the ride and smile."
City has launched an appeal and continues to maintain its innocence. Meanwhile, other Premier League clubs are reportedly instructing their managers not to comment publicly on the verdict, with Frank Lampard, Daniel Farke, and Matthias Jaissle all steering clear of extensive comments in recent press conferences.