Head coach Enzo Maresca has reacted to criticism of Manchester City’s celebrations after their victory at Liverpool by saying: “What do you want us to do?”
Sunday’s match at Anfield was City’s first game after an independent commission found the club guilty of charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial rules.
After the 3-0 win, Erling Haaland looked close to tears in front of City’s fans – which included his father Alf-Inge – while Maresca pumped his fists in jubilation.
“Criticised for what?” replied Maresca when asked for his response to City’s celebrations being questioned by pundits and the media.
“We work every day to win games. It’s the only thing that we can think about and be focused on.
“The rest? It’s just things from outside that we need to deal with – but we were so, so, so happy on the pitch, and you cannot imagine inside the changing room.”
The Italian added: “If I am an Arsenal fan or United fan and you are a City fan I say: ‘hey, my friend you cheat’. So it is probably more tough for them [the fans], but we were happy inside the changing room.
“We were very happy celebrating the three points because it is very difficult at Anfield.”
Maresca was speaking on Tuesday at a news conference before Wednesday’s Champions League game with European champions Paris St-Germain.
It will be City’s first match at home since the guilty verdict, which City have appealed against.
Captain Ruben Dias also defended the post-match celebrations at Anfield.
“I stand by the manager’s words,” said the centre-back. “It was a win at Anfield. It was a show of how much it means to us.”
Asked for his reaction to the guilty verdict, the Portugal defender added: “We are very calm and we trust the club.”
Pep Guardiola, who delivered 20 trophies during 10 years in charge before stepping aside at the end of last season, is expected to return to Etihad Stadium for the match.
“This has been his house for 10 years with what he has done here,” added Maresca. “It’s exciting for everyone, for the fans.”
It is not known whether Guardiola will address the fans or his former players before the game.
The Spaniard posted a message on social media after his former club were found guilty of financial breaches.
“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he wrote.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together.”