EXCLUSIVE: Pep Guardiola is expected to make a surprise return to Manchester City to show solidarity despite their guilty verdict of cheating Premier League rules
Pep Guardiola is plotting a surprise return to the Etihad, in a show of solidarity with his troubled former club Manchester City.
Guardiola is anticipated to be present at City’s next home match against PSG in the Champions League on October 14. It’s believed the Spanish coach has expressed to senior club officials his desire to “be with his people”.
City have been mired in a full-blown crisis since being found guilty by an independent commission of all charges related to violations of the Premier League’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. The club continues to maintain its innocence and has lodged an appeal.
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Guardiola stepped down as manager at the conclusion of last season, and has been taking a break from football back in Barcelona.
He amassed an impressive haul of 20 trophies in just a decade, although his legacy will now be marred by the fact that some of his success was achieved during the period under investigation. Guardiola was also at the helm throughout the entirety of the four-year investigation.
He was repeatedly questioned about the issue, but always maintained that club bosses had assured him there had been no misconduct.
Earlier this week, he took to social media to post a message of support for his former club.
Guardiola, who managed City between 2016 and 2026, stated: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.
“I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran (Soriano, CEO), the players, staff, Enzo (Maresca) and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear – we will get through this together. I love you all.”
In a statement on Friday confirming their appeal, City wrote: “The club’s firm position is that, on multiple grounds, the opinion contains clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe.
“The club is innocent of the accusations made by the Premier League and a comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence exists in support of all of its positions, relating to this case.
“We will continue to respect due process and are necessarily restricted in what we can say further until all proceedings are complete.”