Arabic version: ماريسكا يقول إن تركيز مانشستر سيتي منصب على ليفربول

According to BBC News, Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca says the feeling among his players is “fantastic” after the club was found guilty of the majority of 115 Premier League charges. City’s international players returned to training on Thursday, nine days after the Premier League published a report stating that the club had used “sham” contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m.

Maresca had been expected to address his squad after the verdict emerged while most players were away with their national teams. It is understood he asked them not to let the crisis affect their attitude or focus as the Premier League season resumes. City visit Liverpool on Sunday at 16:30 BST, with Maresca saying the players are especially excited because they are top of the league.

In an in-house interview, Maresca said his players know they can control the football side and are “not worried at all” about other matters. He said they know there is noise around the club but “don’t care too much” about it, concentrating instead on beating Liverpool at Anfield with the support of the fans. Maresca added that he feels calm and that the squad trusts the club completely. City have launched an appeal and have publicly maintained their innocence.

Striker Erling Haaland told Sky Sports that he cares deeply about City, where he has spent his first four years, and described it as a special place for the players. He urged supporters to stick together, stay positive, look ahead and enjoy football. Haaland is the leading scorer in the new Premier League season with five goals.

Elsewhere, Nottingham Forest boss Oliver Glasner said he wants the process completed as soon as possible, citing the importance of league integrity. City have yet to be punished. BBC Sport has been told there has been little appetite within the Premier League and its clubs for past titles to be taken from City.