Guardiola: My achievements at Man City will not be tarnished by UEFA's investigation

Football
By Reuters | Mar 09, 2019
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. [Reuters]

Pep Guardiola is confident his achievements at Manchester City will not be tarnished by UEFA's investigation into alleged Financial Fair Play (FFP) breaches and trusted the club to resolve the matter, the Spanish manager said on Friday.

UEFA opened a formal investigation into the alleged FFP violations on Thursday, a move Premier League champions City welcomed in a bid to end speculation surrounding the club's sponsorship agreements.

When asked whether he was concerned his achievements at City would be tainted by the allegations, Guardiola told reporters: "No, absolutely not.

"The club made a statement, so I can't add more than that. The club are open, hopefully it can finish as soon as possible.

"I trust a lot what the club has done, because I know them and hopefully they can solve it as soon as possible."

German publication Der Spiegel reported in November that City’s Abu Dhabi owners inflated sponsorship agreements in order to comply with FFP requirements.

City's statement on Thursday said accusations of financial irregularities were entirely false.

City host eighth-placed Watford on Saturday and Guardiola hailed their manager Javi Gracia, who looks set to lead them to their best-ever finish in the Premier League.

"It's incredible what he's done, one of the toughest games we had," Guardiola, who was voted February's Premier League manager of the month, said.

"In the last nine games, they have physicality, quality one-on-one, strong in the air, well organised... what he's done has been incredible."

Guardiola was unsure if centre back Aymeric Laporte would play a part but confirmed midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was still unfit after suffering a hamstring injury in last weekend's 1-0 win at Bournemouth.

"All of them are getting better. Ayme (Laporte) is back, he trained the last two to three days but I don't know if he's available for tomorrow," said Guardiola.

"Fernandinho is out, Kevin (De Bruyne) is not right, not fit. John Stones is not fit either but the other ones are OK."

Share this story
Experienced Okello, Chajira named in Kenya Lionesses squad for Rugby Africa Cup
Kenya Lionesses have named an experienced squad featuring Janet Okello and Sheila Chajira for the Rugby Africa Cup as they aim to improve on their previous runner-up finish.
McCarthy set for emotional South Africa reunion after AFCON Draw
Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy is preparing for an emotional clash against his home country after Kenya was drawn with South Africa in the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Junior Starlets gear up for World Cup qualifier encounter against Uganda
Junior Starlets have set their sights on a crucial away win over Uganda’s Teen Cranes as they aim to secure their return to the global stage.
Under-20 talents to face off in battle for tickets to world event in Eugene
The World Under-20 Championships is set for August 5-9 in Eugene.
Over 2,500 players to battle it out in Duracoat Golf Masters Series
The Duracoat Golf Masters series 2026 will be played at 12 venues before the grand finale that will be staged at Mount Kipipiri at the end of the year. 
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS