Man City's 115 Charges: Guardiola's Unwavering Defence Unpacked

Former Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has maintained a steadfast defence of the club amidst the protracted Premier League inquiry into alleged financial irregularities. He consistently affirmed his trust in the club's hierarchy and expressed readiness to accept the legal process's eventual verdict.

Following an extensive investigation, the Premier League formally accused City of 115 purported violations of its financial regulations in February 2023. Guardiola consistently asserted the club's proper conduct throughout the proceedings, urging for a swift resolution of the matter.

According to a Planet Football report published on Wednesday, back in May 2019, shortly after Manchester City secured a domestic treble, Guardiola displayed irritation when questioned about claims of receiving unofficial payments from the club. He retorted, asking, “Did I receive money for another situation, right now, today? Honestly, do you think I deserve to have this type of question?” He further stated, “We are not guilty until it’s proven.”

Guardiola expressed confidence in the explanations offered by City's chairman, Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and chief executive, Ferran Soriano. He quoted them saying, “They tell me we are fair and we absolutely follow the rules; I believe them.”

When UEFA issued a two-season Champions League prohibition and a €30 million penalty against City in February 2020 for financial rule infractions, Guardiola once more rallied behind the club. He remarked, “We cannot control; we support the club 100%, and what you have to do is play our games.” After City lodged an appeal, Guardiola elaborated, “The club believes it is unfair, so we are going to appeal, and we are going to wait. I trust 100% what my club have said and what they have done.” He also affirmed his commitment to stay with City unless his dismissal occurred. “Unless they sack me, which can happen, I will not leave,” Guardiola declared.

In July 2020, following the Court of Arbitration for Sport's decision to overturn UEFA's ban, Guardiola voiced his disapproval of the harm he felt the accusations had inflicted upon the club. He stated, “We were damaged. The people say we cheated and were lying – and many times. The presumption of innocence wasn’t there.”

By May 2022, amidst renewed reports concerning the Premier League investigation, Guardiola reiterated his reasons for continuously defending City. He explained, “Every single word I said in all my press conferences, even if people don’t believe me, every word I said is because I truly, truly, truly believe it.” He added, “Why defend the club and the people? Because I work with them.” He further clarified that he had communicated his stance explicitly to the club’s leadership, asserting, “If you lie to me, the day after I will not be here, I will be out, and you will not be my friend anymore.”

Upon the Premier League's announcement of the 115 charges in February 2023, Guardiola expressed concern that the club was being judged prematurely. He declared, “The club proved they were completely innocent.” He continued, “What’s happened since Monday is the same as what happened with UEFA. We have already been condemned.” He also commented, “We are lucky we live in a marvellous country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

Guardiola indicated his willingness to accept the final ruling should City be found guilty of rule breaches. He stated, “I would have loved to wait and to find out what happens, but just in case we are not innocent, we will accept what the judge and the Premier League decides.” Nonetheless, he raised a pertinent question regarding the club's recourse if ultimately exonerated. He queried, “But if the same situation with UEFA happens and we are innocent, what happens to restore or pay back our damage?”

By May 2023, Guardiola was actively advocating for the swift conclusion of the proceedings. He articulated his desire, saying, “What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something as soon as possible.” He added, “We would love it tomorrow. This afternoon better than tomorrow.”

When questioned in November 2023 about potentially reconsidering his future if City were found guilty and relegated, he responded, “I will answer when I have the sentence.” He further clarified, “You are questioning as if we have been punished. And in the moment we are innocent until guilt is proved.” He also affirmed that his future would not be contingent on the division City competed in. Guardiola stated, “Absolutely, I will not consider my future [if] it depends on being here [Premier League] or being in League One.”

With the hearing slated for August 2024, Guardiola once again expressed his anticipation for the case’s resolution. He remarked, “I am happy it starts soon, and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us.” He elaborated, “Especially for the club, but for all the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don’t wait for the sentence.” By September 2024, he reaffirmed his confidence in the independent process, stating, “An independent panel will decide, and I am looking forward to the decision.”