Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has encouraged his squad to stay focused and positive as they trained together for the first time since the club were found guilty of the majority of the 115 charges brought against them by the Premier League.
The club’s international players returned to training on Thursday, nine days after the Premier League published a damning report that stated the club had used “sham” contracts to disguise secret funding of more than £830m.
It is understood the City head coach asked his players not to allow the crisis that has engulfed the club to affect their attitude and focus as the Premier League campaign gets back under way this weekend.
Speaking to Sky Sports before Sunday’s trip to Liverpool, striker Erling Haaland echoed his manager’s sentiments, saying: “I care a lot about this place. I spent my first four years here, it’s a special place for us. I care a lot about City and the fans. I am a fan myself. I feel with them.
“The fans will have a good time on Sunday – we have to stick together. We have to stay with each other and stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to smile. Stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and enjoy the situation.
“We have to stick together and spread the love to each other. Enjoy the ride and smile.”
City have launched an appeal and have publicly maintained their innocence.
The private communication to those with links to the playing staff at City has been equally as emphatic, it is understood.
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