Manchester United manager Michael Carrick says the Premier League’s financial case involving Manchester City should be resolved as soon as possible, while several other managers have urged patience as the appeal and sanctioning process continues.
Manchester City was last week found guilty of all financial misconduct charges covering the period from 2009 to 2018, during which the club established a dominant position in English football. The period includes much of Pep Guardiola’s trophy-laden decade at the club and several Premier League titles.
Manchester City denies the charges and has appealed. If that appeal is unsuccessful, the club could face severe penalties. The case has generated widespread discussion among commentators, former players and experts during the international break, with Premier League managers now giving their views before the competition resumes.
Manchester City’s manager said the club’s position was clear and that he remained calm, adding that “we have full trust in the club”. He said the players were concentrating on football, the next two matches and their position at the top of the league.
He added: “When we win the appeal, that will be the appropriate time to talk about this.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the process and its timetable had to be respected. “Things are not yet finalised,” he said, confirming that neither he nor the club would comment further until the matter was resolved.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot said uncertainty was unhelpful to everyone involved, but added: “The process is ongoing, and we have to be patient like everyone else and see what happens in the end.”
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca said a ruling had been made but that attention now had to turn to the independent committee’s decision on any penalty. He said it might take longer for the next stage to become clear, but believed the committee would reach the correct decision.
Carrick said the case raised difficult questions and had affected him personally. “For everyone, the sooner it’s resolved, the better,” he said, while acknowledging that past championship moments could not be recovered.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou did not comment.
Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler said the issue was outside his control, while Everton manager David Moyes joked that he hoped Everton was not the only club being targeted, having already felt referees were against them.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said the authorities now had to assess the facts and make a decision. Brentford manager Thomas Frank also called it a major issue for the Premier League, saying the governing body should be trusted to reach the right outcome quickly.
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno said delays could damage the league’s credibility worldwide. Recalling his time at Crystal Palace, he said uncertainty over participation in the Europa League or Conference League had lasted until 10 days before the latter competition began.
Fulham manager Marco Silva declined to comment, saying his focus was on his team’s next match. Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna said he knew “absolutely nothing” about the case and therefore could not offer an opinion.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery also did not comment.
