Following a 3-0 win against Liverpool, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the club’s recent guilty verdict for more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial regulations. When asked about the public perception of the club, Maresca candidly admitted that if he were a supporter of rivals like Manchester United or Arsenal, he would likely characterize Manchester City as "cheats."

This marks the first match played by the team since the official ruling on the financial charges was released. Maresca suggested that the weight of the scandal has been felt most acutely by the club's fanbase, noting that the players and coaching staff have had to maintain focus on their professional duties despite the external pressure. The manager’s comments were made in the context of a discussion regarding whether the legal situation served as a rallying point for the squad, potentially contributing to their dominant performance at Anfield.

While the club faces significant scrutiny regarding its financial history, Maresca’s remarks represent a rare instance of a high-ranking club official acknowledging the severity of the accusations from the perspective of opposing fans. The team's performance on the pitch, however, remains the primary focus for the coaching staff as they navigate the remainder of the season under the shadow of the Premier League's findings.