Pep Guardiola attended Manchester City‘s game against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, the club’s first home match since they were found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.
The former City boss, wearing a flat cap, took a seat in the directors’ box. It was Guardiola’s first return to the stadium — where there is now a stand named after him — since he left at the end of last season, although he has remained connected as a global ambassador for the over-arching City Football Group.
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak was also in attendance along with chief executive Ferran Soriano. Guardiola reportedly held talks with both earlier in the day as City looked to put on a united front.
Legendary manager Guardiola stepped down in the summer after a 10-year reign, which yielded 20 major trophies. He was replaced in the dugout by former Chelsea and Leicester manager Enzo Maresca.
City won their first match after the guilty verdict was announced when they beat Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.
Guardiola previously responded to the guilty decision with a social media statement backing the club, which read: “I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo and you, our unique supporters.
“Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all.”
City have appealed against the verdict from an independent commission and maintained they have “irrefutable” evidence to back their case.
Guardiola’s successes with City included six Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
Information from PA was used in this report.
