Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola comes out fighting before Premier League ‘trial of the century’ begins on Monday, despite relegation threat

Pep Guardiola insisted that Manchester City are ready to learn their fate as the hearing into their alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules gets underway on Monday. 

City have been accused of financial impropriety spanning nine years from 2009 and the sternest punishment if found guilty is relegation. Points deductions and fines are also potential penalties.

An investigation was sparked by Der Spiegel publishing Football Leaks documents in 2018 and City stand accused of funnelling money from the club’s owners through sponsors in the United Arab Emirates.

Since the explosive report six years ago the club have come under intense scrutiny from those in and out of the game. On Friday, LaLiga president Javier Tebas said he believes the majority of top-flight want to see City punished. 

Guardiola did not name his countryman – although there was at least one veiled reference to the 62-year-old – when responding to questions on the topic. He instead insisted that he is happy the club’s day in court is finally here. 

‘I’m not a lawyer, there are many lawyers in this country and Spain but we’re going to wait and see,’ he told reporters ahead of City’s clash against Brentford on Saturday. ‘No [it’s not discussed in the dressing room].

‘It’s going to happen and we’re going to accept the sentence. I’m happy that it’s going to start on Monday and we’re going to see. 

‘I know what people are looking for, I know what they’re expecting but everyone is innocent until guilty is proven.’

City deny wrongdoing and are defending their case at an independent inquiry.  

Guardiola’s side have made a perfect start to the Premier League campaign, thanks in large part to the incredible goalscoring form of Erling Haaland. However, the forward’s participation in Saturday’s clash is in some doubt following the death of a family friend. 

The City boss said his thoughts are with the player and revealed that a late call will be made on his availability

‘[It’s a] tough time for him and his family,’ Guardiola added. ‘Our thoughts are with him and his family and we’ll see tomorrow if he’s able physically and mentally to play.’

The Bees, who have made a good start to the season, are the last team to come away from the Etihad with three points. Thomas Frank’s side claimed a famous 2-1 win in November 2022 thanks to a brace from Ivan Toney. 

City will also be without Nathan Ake for the fixture. Guardiola revealed that the defender will be sidelined until after the next international break after picking up an injury with the Netherlands.