Luis Enrique defends Manchester City's titles
Interview
Luis Enrique has taken Manchester City's side in the case concerning the financial breaches shaking English football. On the eve of the Champions League clash between PSG and the Citizens, the Parisian coach said he believed the Manchester club deserved to keep its trophies, while calling for respect for the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Manchester City deserves these trophies”
Manchester City is facing serious accusations concerning alleged violations of its financial obligations between 2009 and 2018. According to information reported by the Premier League, the club allegedly used irregular commercial contracts to inflate its revenue and conceal certain expenses. An independent commission issued an unfavorable decision against the club, which nevertheless disputes the findings and has appealed. Potential sanctions could range from a fine to points deductions, or even relegation or the removal of certain titles.
Asked about the case before the match against PSG, Luis Enrique initially called for caution. The Spanish coach then gave his opinion on Manchester City's performances:
The first reaction, when you hear that, is surprise. But I think we have to respect the process and wait for the final decision. There are authorities responsible for making these decisions, and we have to wait. But if I speak only about football and what I have seen on the pitch, Manchester City deserves these trophies.
Luis Enrique hopes City will avoid a sanction
The Parisian coach made no secret of his admiration for the football developed by the Citizens in recent years:
I like the way they play football. Then, we have to wait for the final decision, and nothing else. I think the trophies won on the pitch should stay on the pitch. They deserve to have won them, and I hope they can avoid this sanction.
These comments come as PSG, the two-time holders of the European title in the context of the fixture, are set to face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. This matchup gives particular significance to Luis Enrique's remarks, as he distinguishes the club's sporting achievements from decisions falling under the authority of the relevant governing bodies.