Pep Guardiola has claimed some people want Manchester City wiped off the face of the Earth due to their alleged breaches of financial rules.
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Man City hearing into club's 115 charges beginsChampions could face heavy sanctionGuardiola says people want City wiped outWHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester City face Arsenal in a huge Premier League clash after a week that has seen a hearing into the club's 115 charges for alleged breaches of FFP rules begin. The Premier League champions could face a points deduction or even a competition ban if found guilty, with a verdict expected in early 2025.
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Speaking ahead of the match at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola was asked about criticism of his team's performances and went on to speak about the hearing and his belief that people want his team to receive a strong sanction if found guilty.
WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
He told reporters: "During a season, you can say, 'Oh, it was a bad season'. But for performances some people say, 'Oh, it's a disgrace, it is a disaster, it's unacceptable'. No, during 90 minutes it's one bad afternoon when they were better. But I would say – I'm sorry, I want to defend my club, especially in these modern days when everyone is expecting us not to be relegated, to be disappeared off the face of the Earth, the world – that we have better afternoons than the opponents. That's why we win a lot.”
DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester City will become the first team in English top-flight history to win their opening five league matches in five seasons if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.