Pep Guardiola speaks out on City's financial charges

Pep Guardiola defends Man City against financial rule breach charges, criticizes quick judgment & accuses Premier League rivals of conspiring.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his confidence in the innocence of his club after they were charged by the Premier League with over 100 breaches of financial regulations.

The charges date back to a period of nine years, starting in 2009. The findings have been referred to an independent commission for review.

Guardiola criticised some outside parties for passing judgement on his club too quickly and stated that they had already been "sentenced" without a proper chance to defend themselves.

"My first thought is we've already been condemned," he said. "We are lucky we live in a country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty. We didn't have this opportunity. We have been sentenced already."

🗣️ "I'm fully convinced we'll be innocent."

Pep Guardiola speaks for the first time since Manchester City were charged by the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/5dBDpVt1B5

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 10, 2023

Guardiola accused City's Premier League rivals of conspiring against them and pushing for their punishment.

He named some of the clubs he believed were involved and said, "Of course, it is the Premier League. I don't know why. You have to ask the CEOs, Daniel Levy, these kinds of people."

In response to Guardiola's comments about Tottenham chairman Levy, Spurs declined to comment, according to Sky Sports.

The City manager also referred to the conduct of some clubs during the process that saw City initially banned by UEFA for two years and added, "You accuse us; we should be out, but between those nine teams before and the 19 teams now, between their word and the word of my people, I'm sorry, but I rely on the words of my people."

Pep lists ALL the 9 teams who asked UEFA to kick Man City out including Arsenal,Liverpool, Chelsea, and Man United

Pep “Julius Caesar said in this world there are no enemies or friends, there are just interest” … They wanted our position

BRUTAL 😅 pic.twitter.com/2vbvUjNJCh

— The Pep (@GuardiolaTweets) February 10, 2023

Possible Consequences and Pep's Confidence in Exoneration

If found guilty, City could lose points or even be kicked out of the Premier League.

However, Guardiola is confident that City will be exonerated and has warned other clubs to be careful in the future, as many clubs could be accused without being guilty.

He said, "It is difficult for me to answer, I don't know, but they open a precedent now, with what they have done to us. Be careful in the future because many clubs can make suggestions, and a lot of clubs can be accused, like we are accused, without being innocent."

Guardiola Refuses to Step Down from His Post

Despite previously stating that he would leave City if the allegations of rule violations were proven to be true, Guardiola insisted that he has no intention of leaving his position.

He said, "I am not moving from this seat, I can assure you. I want to stay more than ever." The City Manager also believes that the matter will not affect his players as they prepare to take on Aston Villa. 

He said, "We have trained like normal to try to beat Aston Villa. The players will be focused on our game, for sure."

Reactions

I absolutely adore Pep Guardiola. There is not a person on earth that I would rather have representing my football club. He's here to stay.

— Tom Young (@TomYoungSJ) February 10, 2023

🗣️ "He's accusing the other 19 clubs in the Premier League as driving these charges against City"

Melissa Reddy explains Pep Guardiola's press conference where he spoke for the first time since Manchester City were charged by the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/iQBkTROcLg

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) February 10, 2023

Pep Guardiola. My Manager loves this club 💙 pic.twitter.com/UNyjBu88D6

— 𝐄𝐑 (@ErlingRoIe) February 10, 2023

Pep Guardiola is GOD fuck y’all MCFC CHAMPIONS LG x

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) February 10, 2023

Extraordinary press conference by Guardiola. Would've been very easy to say no comment and point towards the club's statement. Man City are very fortunate to have him.

— Jack Gaughan (@Jack_Gaughan) February 10, 2023