Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola tried to remain coy when asked about Everton’s recent sanctions as his team faces the possibility of suffering a similar fate.
The Toffees were dealt a blow during the international break after an independent commission determined the club had breached the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules.
Sean Dyche’s side was effectively slapped with a 10-point deduction, leaving them 19th on the log ahead of the clash against Manchester United.
The latest sanction will likely leave Manchester City fans worried as their club was also charged with 115 alleged breaches of FFP rules. There are now genuine concerns that the Cityzens could be handed an even bigger points deduction which would see them potentially kicked out of the Premier League.
Guardiola’s take
Prior to the early kick off clash against Liverpool, Guardiola faced journalists on Friday, but the Toffees’ points deduction took centre stage of discussions.
When asked about City’s charges and possible sanctions, Guardiola got defensive, saying as per Football London:
“Why should I not believe (we are innocent)? It’s the lawyers to make the defence in front of the judge. I didn’t change my opinion, we wait and after we accept the resolutions.”
After Everton’s point deduction, fans have now been calling on Manchester City to suffer the same fate, but the Etihad club’s punishment would likely surpass Everton’s points deduction, which, according to BBC, is currently the biggest in Premier League history.
Guardiola refused to comment on Everton’s situation, insisting that the case was different from Manchester City.
The Spaniard was then asked whether he would walk away from the job in case Manchester City were demoted to lower-tier leagues for breaching FFP rules.
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