Guardiola Backs City's FFP Defence and Warns Maresca: 'You Can't Just Copy What Works'

As Pep Guardiola prepares to move on from Manchester City, the departing manager has offered his perspective on the cloud that has loomed over the club throughout his tenure: their ongoing Premier League FFP investigation.

City stand accused of 115 breaches of financial fair play regulations spanning 2009 to 2018. The stakes are considerable—a guilty verdict could result in substantial fines, transfer restrictions, points deductions, or even expulsion from the Premier League. The club has consistently maintained their innocence, and with the hearing concluded late last year, a ruling is anticipated sometime this summer.

Guardiola's backing of City's position is straightforward and rooted in personal conviction. "Because I trust them. I trust them!" he told reporters. He went on to explain that having spoken directly with those involved, he is confident in how the club has conducted itself throughout the process.

The City manager emphasised that most of the staff, backroom personnel, and certainly the playing squad weren't even at the club when the alleged breaches occurred—a period now stretching back many years. His confidence in their vindication appears unshaken, though he offered a characteristically dry response when asked if he might fancy a return once the matter is resolved: "If you find me, yeah. But it will be difficult."

A Word of Caution for Maresca

With Enzo Maresca confirmed as Guardiola's successor, City's outgoing boss has offered some friendly counsel to his replacement. The warning is simple but pointed: attempting to simply transplant one manager's methods onto another is a recipe for failure.

"It doesn't work to copy and paste in this kind of job," Guardiola cautioned. "You have to be unique, natural. The new manager will be himself. The moment it starts to be a copy for another one… it has to be like that."

Guardiola expressed genuine optimism about City's prospects under Maresca's stewardship, suggesting the squad remains well-positioned despite his imminent departure. "I promise you if I had energy I would be here with them. But I feel they can be there and make life uncomfortable for our opponents. The squad is in a good place."

He stressed the importance of consistency and evolution, noting that complacency has never been part of his philosophy. "When it's going well, always I say, 'Be careful Pep. We have to continue. We have to develop the team.' In this team, we can do better."

Guardiola's parting message centred on longevity and sustained excellence. While trophies matter—they're the visible end product—the real measure of success is remaining competitive throughout the season. "Being there until the end, that is the real success," he reflected. "Winning the trophy, yes, of course, you have to do that. That's the final product. But being there, until the last few fixtures, being in the competition."

He noted that City have maintained that standard across competitions this season, with the Champions League being the notable exception.