"Everyone is innocent until proven guilty" - Pep Guardiola on Man City's hearing

As Manchester City prepare for the hearing over their  alleged charges, Pep Guardiola has stated that he is aware of that people are expecting City to be found guilty. In his recent press conference, the manager was asked about the case. He said: "I’m happy it starts on Monday and I know there will be more rumours about the sentences that come up and we’re going to see. I know what people are looking for, I know what they are expecting – I know it because I have read it for many years – but I’ve said everyone is innocent until guilt is proven. So we will see. It starts soon and hopefully finishes soon. An independent panel will decide. I’m looking forward to the decision.”

Guardiola insists that the case is not something that has been discussed with the players. “No. I’m not a lawyer. There are many lawyers in this country and in Spain but I wait. We’re going to wait and see. We are not lawyers. Erling [Haaland] is not a lawyer, so we didn’t talk about it". While dissociating the team from the club's legal affairs, the Spaniard equally underlines his stance, stating that: "What is going to happen is with the independent panel and we will accept the sentence".

While the decision will not be revealed until March - in 10 weeks the earliest, President of La Liga Javier Tebas, as well as several Premier League clubs - according to Pep Guardiola - have voiced their belief that Manchester City should be sanctioned.

Nonetheless, the club continue to deny the charges imposed by the Premier League and UEFA.

 

September 13, 2024