adminPEP GUARDIOLA had a face of thunder when he was seen for the first time since the news of Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches broke.
The Premier League released the shocking findings of their four-year investigation yesterday morning, plummeting the champions into turmoil.
But Guardiola, 52, quickly had to put the bombshell, unprecedented allegations aside to prepare for Sunday’s home clash with Aston Villa.
The City boss was pictured sitting on a drinks cooler box as he watched his players in action, seemingly deep in touch.
On the pitches, his players got on with their drills, less than 24 hours after the defeat to Tottenham in North London.
Guardiola had complained about the “exhausting” trip to the capital – but clearly had little sympathy for his stars following the loss.
It seems those who did not start the match – such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Kalvin Phillips – were called in and put through their paces.
On the pitch, Guardiola will be plotting how to beat Aston Villa when they arrive at the Etihad.
And off the pitch, Guardiola has plenty to think about too.
The Premier League accused City of breaching more than 100 financial rules and failing to cooperate with the investigation.
The charges relate to hiding the true source of income, lying about the salaries of players and ex-manager Roberto Mancini as well as breaking Premier League and Uefa regulations.
If found guilty by an independent commission, City’s punishment is still unclear but could include transfer bans, points deductions, spending limits, stripping of titles and even expulsion from the Premier League.
Their top-flight rivals will demand City are relegated – although there is no guarantee they could drop into the EFL.
Angry City insisted they would be “vindicated” in a defiant statement, but Premier League clubs want blood and a swift verdict AND punishment before the end of the season. – The Sun.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter