Manchester City manager Pep hopes a verdict will be reached soon on the Premier League’s 115 financial charges against Manchester City. The alleged violations of City’s Financial Fair Play regulations are being investigated by an independent commission.
Guardiola addresses financial charges against City
In February this year, the Premier League accused City of breaking more than 100 financial rules between 2009 and 2018. The Citizens would not have cooperated with the ongoing investigation after that period. An independent commission is now investigating the Premier League’s charges.
Guardiola was asked about the status of the investigation at the press conference ahead of the game against Brighton & Hove Albion. “I hope the Premier League and the committee will come out as soon as possible. Rather today than tomorrow. If it turns out that we have not done anything wrong, which we are convinced, then other people will no longer doubt it,” said manager of City, who won the title of England for the third season in a row.
“Such an investigation doesn’t have to take two years, does it? Why can’t it be faster? You can sit down with lawyers within 24 hours. Hopefully all committee members are not too busy. At least we don’t worry about anything,” said Guardiola.
Guardiola’s future plans
The manager of City also briefly discussed his future plans during the press conference. “Don’t worry, I’ll stay here as long as there are 115 charges against us. I’m not taking a new step. But who knows… Regardless of the results of the upcoming finals, I want to stay here. I also have an ongoing contract,” said Guardiola, who is under contract with the champion of England until mid-2025.
City have another chance at a historic treble this season. On Saturday, June 3, the FA Cup final at Wembley is against city rivals Manchester United and on Saturday, June 10, Internazionale is the opponent in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
Yet another record for Haaland
Erling Haaland has equaled another impressive Premier League record. The Norwegian striker saw a hit rejected against Brighton & Hove Albion, but his assist with the opening goal still earned him a place in the books.
During the draw between Brigthon and Manchester City, Haaland escaped the attention of Jan Paul van Hecke. Once face to face with the goalkeeper, he proved unselfish. Haaland passed the ball to Phil Foden for his eighth Premier League assist of the season. With that, he is now involved in 44 league goals (36 goals, eight assists), tying the record.
Only one player in the history of English professional football has also been involved in 44 goals in a 38-match Premier League season. Thierrry Henry did that in 2002/03 for Arsenal. He then scored 24 goals and provided twenty assists.
Incidentally, there are two players who were involved in even more Premier League goals in a season, but then a full competition counted even more games. Alan Shearer, for example, scored 34 goals in 1994/95 and provided 13 assists in 42 games. Andrew Cole did exactly the same for Newcastle United a season earlier. Haaland will try to get closer to Cole and Shearer in the final game of the season against Brentford on Sunday.
