Enrique hopes Man City avoid sanctions over Premier League financial breaches

Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach, has defended Manchester City’s on-field achievements and expressed hope that the English club will avoid sanctions over alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules.

City face the possibility of severe penalties, including points deductions or relegation, after an independent commission examined more than 100 charges relating to the club’s finances between 2009 and 2018. The case has also fuelled speculation that titles won during the period could be stripped.

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Manchester City deny wrongdoing and have challenged the findings through an appeal process.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League meeting between PSG and City, Luis Enrique said the club’s achievements on the pitch should be recognised. The Spaniard is a close friend and former Barcelona teammate of Pep Guardiola, City’s former manager.

“I think what they’ve done on the pitch has been incredible over the last few years, and I think they certainly deserve to win on the pitch all the trophies that they have won,” Luis Enrique said at a pre-match press conference.

“I think the trophies that you win on the pitch remain on the pitch and they deserve to win. I hope they can avoid that sanction; that’s what I feel.”

The fixture also marks a new chapter for City following Guardiola’s departure in May, with Enzo Maresca tasked with succeeding the Spaniard.

Maresca has made an impressive start, winning all eight of his opening matches across competitions, according to the figures cited ahead of the game.

However, Luis Enrique played down suggestions that Wednesday’s encounter would serve as an early statement of intent for either side.

“January is when you can really see the team’s level,” he said. “Five or six months down the line, things are so different. Many teams change.

“But it’s an interesting match at this stage, a fun one to watch.”