By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has defended his players’ celebrations following their 3-0 victory over Liverpool, insisting the team had every reason to be happy despite criticism surrounding the club’s recent financial rule breach verdict.

City secured the convincing win at Anfield on Sunday in their first match since an independent commission found the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations. Manchester City have appealed against the decision.

Following the final whistle, striker Erling Haaland appeared emotional in front of the travelling supporters, including his father, Alf-Inge Haaland. Maresca also celebrated enthusiastically, pumping his fists as City marked an important victory.

Responding to criticism from pundits and sections of the media over the celebrations, Maresca questioned why the team should be expected to react differently after winning such a difficult fixture.

“Criticised for what? We work every day to win games. It’s the only thing that we can think about and be focused on,” the Italian said.

He explained that the team remained focused on football despite the controversy surrounding the club, adding that the players were extremely happy both on the pitch and inside the dressing room.

Maresca acknowledged that supporters of rival clubs might view the situation differently, particularly given the commission’s findings.

“If I am an Arsenal fan or United fan and you are a City fan, I say: ‘Hey, my friend, you cheat.’ So it is probably more tough for them,” he said.

However, he maintained that City’s celebrations were driven by the significance of earning three points at Anfield, where victories are often difficult to achieve.

“We were very happy celebrating the three points because it is very difficult at Anfield,” he added.

Maresca made the comments on Tuesday during a news conference ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League meeting with European champions Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.

The fixture will be City’s first home match since the commission delivered its verdict, placing the club’s financial case under renewed public scrutiny.

City captain Ruben Dias also supported the celebrations, saying they reflected the importance of the result to the players.

“I stand by the manager’s words,” the Portugal international said. “It was a win at Anfield. It was a show of how much it means to us.”

Dias also expressed confidence in the club’s handling of the financial case, insisting the players were not unsettled by the verdict.

“We are very calm and we trust the club,” he said when asked about the commission’s decision.

Meanwhile, former City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to return to the Etihad Stadium for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter.

Guardiola, who stepped aside at the end of last season after spending 10 years in charge, won 20 trophies during his time at the club and remains a significant figure in its recent history.

Maresca described the Spaniard’s anticipated return as an exciting occasion for supporters, given his achievements and long association with Manchester City.

“This has been his house for 10 years with what he has done here,” Maresca said. “It’s exciting for everyone, for the fans.”

It remains unclear whether Guardiola will address the supporters or meet his former players before the match.

Following the financial verdict, Guardiola posted a message on social media expressing his continued support for Manchester City and its supporters.

“I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever,” he wrote.

“Let me be clear: we will get through this together.”

Despite the controversy surrounding the club, Maresca’s comments suggest that Manchester City are determined to maintain their focus on the pitch as they prepare for another major European challenge.

The team’s victory over Liverpool has provided a boost ahead of the PSG encounter, while the financial case continues to attract attention beyond the football field.