Pep Guardiola: “People Expect Man City to be Wiped Off the Face of the Earth”

Pep Guardiola has responded to the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Manchester City’s 115 charges for alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules, stating that some people expect the club to be wiped “off the face of the Earth.”

City, who have won the Premier League title six times in the past seven seasons, could theoretically face a points deduction or even expulsion from the Premier League if found guilty of the alleged breaches. The club, however, strongly denies all charges.

Guardiola addressed the hearing unprompted during a press conference, while speaking about the tendency for people to over-criticize isolated poor performances. He said:

“People are expecting not just relegation but for us to disappear off the face of the Earth. But we’ve had better afternoons than the opponents, and that’s why we’ve won a lot.”

Ongoing Hearing and Allegations

The ongoing hearing, which is expected to last 10 weeks, focuses on alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations between 2009 and 2018. Manchester City has been accused of violating these rules, leading to an investigation that started four years ago and culminated in charges being brought against the club in February 2023.

City’s dominance in English football, including eight league titles, multiple domestic cups, and their historic Champions League triumph, has put them at the center of attention in this high-profile case.

Upcoming Clash with Arsenal

As Manchester City prepares to face Arsenal in a crucial Premier League title showdown on Sunday, Guardiola remains focused on defending his club and achieving a fifth consecutive league title.