Maresca tells Manchester City squad to stay focused after verdict

WHAT HAPPENED
Enzo Maresca, who replaced Pep Guardiola as Manchester City manager, told his squad to stay focused and positive as they trained together for the first time since the Premier League found the club guilty of the majority of the 115 charges against it. International players returned to training on Thursday, nine days after the regulator published a report saying City had used "sham" contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m.

Maresca asked players not to let the crisis affect their attitude and concentration as the Premier League campaign resumes this weekend. City have launched an appeal and have publicly maintained their innocence; private communications to those linked to the playing staff have been described as equally emphatic, it is understood.

PLAYER RESPONSE
Striker Erling Haaland, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, echoed his manager’s stance: "We have to stick together and spread the love to each other. Enjoy the ride and smile." He added that he cares a lot about the club and its fans.

RIVAL MANAGERS AND PRESS CONFERENCES
As top-flight football returns after a three-week hiatus, managers will be asked about the verdict during compulsory pre-match press conferences. Several clubs have reportedly taken a stance that their managers should not comment at length. Coventry boss Frank Lampard, Leeds head coach Daniel Farke and Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle steered clear of extended remarks: Jaissle said, "I think as a manager of another club I am not able to judge and it is not my job." Lampard commented: "What can you say when an appeal is going on? I'm not inside the story, I'm outside it completely."

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Premier League fixtures resume this weekend, and Maresca and other managers are expected to face questions on the issue at their pre-match news conferences. City’s appeal process is ongoing.

KEY FACTS
- International players returned to City training on Thursday, nine days after the Premier League report.
- The Premier League said the club used "sham" contracts to disguise more than £830m of funding.
- Manchester City have launched an appeal and deny the charges.