We will get through this together, says former City manager Guardiola

Pep Guardiola, the former Manchester City coach, steadfastly defended the club throughout the Premier League's ongoing investigation into alleged financial breaches. In February 2023, the Premier League levied 115 charges against City, stemming from a thorough probe. Throughout the proceedings, Guardiola insisted that the club had adhered to the rules and called for a swift resolution.

As reported by Planet Football, in May 2019, Guardiola reacted defensively when queried about a purported payment from the club outside official channels, asserting that "we are not guilty until it's proven." He trusted the explanations provided by City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and CEO Ferran Soriano, stating, "They tell me we are fair and we absolutely follow the rules; I believe them."

In February 2020, following UEFA's ban and €30 million fine for breaches of financial rules, Guardiola reaffirmed his support for the club, emphasizing, "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." Following City's appeal, he added, "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."

In May 2022, Guardiola reiterated his defense of City in light of fresh reports about the investigation. "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 said, adding, "Why defend the club and the people? Because I work with them." He also made his stance clear to the club's leadership, saying, "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."

When the Premier League announced the 115 charges in February 2023, Guardiola stated that the club had already been deemed innocent before the case concluded. "The club proved they were completely innocent," he said. "What's happened since Monday is the same as what happened with UEFA. We have already been condemned." He added, "We are lucky we live in a marvellous country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty."

Guardiola expressed willingness to accept the eventual decision if City were found to have breached the rules.

In May 2023, Guardiola called for the proceedings to conclude swiftly. "What I would like is if the Premier League and judges could make something as soon as possible," he said. "We would love it tomorrow. This afternoon better than tomorrow." In November 2023, he questioned the club's fate if cleared: "But if the same situation with UEFA happens and we are innocent, what happens to restore or pay back our damage?" He questioned the impact of potential vindication.

In November 2024, as the investigation neared its conclusion, Guardiola welcomed the opportunity to resolve the case. "I am happy it starts soon, and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us," he said. "Especially for the club, but for all the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don't wait for the sentence."

He reiterated his trust in Manchester City's leadership, stating, "Because you believe in your club and the people there. I believe what they say and the reasons why. I said, 'OK, let's see.'" Despite the ongoing speculation, Guardiola preferred to focus on his managerial duties rather than the proceedings, saying, "I don't live with it.

I live with the four defeats, what I have to do. There are lawyers on both sides. I don't think about it."