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Pep Guardiola returns to Manchester City for PSG Champions League tie

Summarised from 4 outlets · 9 reports · Updated 14 Oct, 20:39 · Archive

Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola attended the Etihad for the first time since departing in May, watching his old club face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola returned to Manchester City on Wednesday evening to watch the club's Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, marking his first visit to the Etihad since stepping down as manager in May. Guardiola had spent ten trophy-laden years at City, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League in 2023, three FA Cups and five League Cups during his tenure.

The 55-year-old Spaniard was seated in the directors' box two rows behind chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano. Reports indicate that Guardiola held talks with both men before the match. He was reported to have kept a low profile, wearing a flat cap as he took his seat. City have confirmed there will be a 'mosaic display' in the newly-named Pep Guardiola Stand, along with pre-match pyrotechnics ahead of kick-off.

Guardiola's return comes at a significant moment for the club. An independent commission found Manchester City guilty of 114 of 115 Premier League charges relating to financial breaches, with the investigation covering the period from 2009 to 2018—encompassing most of Guardiola's time at the club. City has strenuously denied any wrongdoing and lodged an appeal against the verdict. The club faces potential punishments ranging from points deductions to relegation or expulsion from the Premier League.

Immediately after the guilty verdict was announced in late September, Guardiola posted a statement on social media expressing his support for the club. 'I want every single Manchester City fan to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran, the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all,' he wrote.

According to reports, Guardiola had not initially planned to return to the Etihad so soon after his departure but decided to do so to demonstrate his belief in the club's innocence over the charges. The Mirror reports that prior to his return, Guardiola had not spoken with new manager Enzo Maresca since after the Manchester United match.

Maresca, Guardiola's former assistant who took over from him in the summer, expressed his enthusiasm about the reunion. 'In case he is coming, it is a nice feeling, especially for him, it has been his house for 10 years. It is still his house for what he has done here, I think it is exciting for everyone,' Maresca said at his pre-match press conference. The Italian added that he was unsure of Guardiola's exact plans for the day, whether he would come to the stadium or training ground.

The return is notable given the shadow cast over Guardiola's legacy by the charges. The investigation found that City had benefited from more than £830 million in disguised funding through 'sham contracts' and failed to co-operate with the investigation. PSG manager Luis Enrique, however, defended City, saying: 'I hope everything works out well for Manchester City because I think what they have done on the pitch has been incredible over the last few years and they certainly deserved to win on the pitch all the trophies they have won.'

Pep Guardiola returns to Manchester City for PSG Champions League tie
Image: Evening Standard

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In this story: Pep Guardiola · Manchester City · Enzo Maresca · Khaldoon Al Mubarak · Ferran Soriano · Paris Saint-Germain · Etihad Stadium

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem