Maresca tells Man City players to stay focused and positive

Enzo Maresca, the manager of Manchester City, was photographed beaming and giving a thumbs up as he arrived for a training session at the City Football Academy. This marks the return of the squad after an extended international break. The club recently lodged an appeal against a verdict from an independent commission that found them guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over a nine-year period.

Maresca is set to speak to the media on Friday for the first time since the club's guilty verdict. City maintains their innocence and has appealed the decision, but speculation has been rampant in football circles about the potential sanctions they may face. Maresca is keen for his players to put the controversy behind them and focus on regaining their top position in the Premier League, where they have won all five of their opening matches.

An upcoming fixture against fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday is expected to be a highly charged atmosphere. Former City manager Pep Guardiola, who has voiced his support for the club following the verdict, is reportedly attending the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain the following week.