Pep Guardiola will return to the Etihad Stadium next week to watch Manchester City face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, marking his first appearance at the club’s home ground since he stepped down as manager after ten years.
The match on Wednesday, 14 October, comes amid fresh scrutiny of City following an independent commission’s ruling earlier this month. The club was found guilty on the majority of 115 charges filed by the Premier League, related to financial breaches spanning from the 2009-10 to 2017-18 seasons. The verdict concluded that City inflated commercial revenues by £830 million through what it described as “sham” contracts.
City denies any wrongdoing and has lodged an appeal against the findings. Despite the controversy, Guardiola has publicly supported the club’s leadership. The 55-year-old Spaniard expressed his loyalty on social media, saying: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever.” He added, “I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.”
The upcoming fixture will be the first home game for City since the Premier League announced the charges and the subsequent commission’s ruling. It comes after a three-week international break and will follow the Premier League clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, 1 October, where City’s new manager Enzo Maresca will lead the team.
Guardiola’s decade at City produced six Premier League titles, including a record four consecutive wins from 2020-21, as well as a Champions League trophy, three FA Cups, and five League Cups. He left the club at the end of last season but has remained vocal about his allegiance. In November 2024, Guardiola said he “will be here” even if the club faced relegation due to the charges.
The match against PSG will be a test of the club’s resilience in front of its home fans. PSG, the reigning Champions League holders, present a formidable challenge. Guardiola’s presence in the stands signals his continued connection to City despite the legal battles.
The Premier League’s report states the club’s financial misconduct involved inflating commercial revenues through contracts it deemed illegitimate. City’s appeal is ongoing, with no resolution announced.
As City prepares to face Liverpool and PSG, Guardiola’s return to the Etihad adds an unexpected layer of drama. His decade of success remains part of the club’s recent history even as it confronts significant off-field challenges.
According to Joy Online.
