Maresca maintains almost total control as he follows Manchester City owners’ line

Enzo Maresca largely maintained control during a packed media conference following Manchester City being found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. Despite a brief early slip-up when discussing his trust in the hierarchy, the manager strictly supported the club's leadership and reiterated his full confidence in chair Khaldoon al-Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano.

The Guardian's Jamie Jackson argues that Maresca adhered closely to the club line despite evident tension behind the scenes. Addressing on-pitch matters ahead of Sunday's match at Anfield, Maresca confirmed striker Erling Haaland is fit and available following a brief fitness concern on international duty with Norway.