Manchester City’s first European night at the Etihad since the Premier League’s landmark financial verdict ended in a 4-2 Champions League defeat to Luis Enrique’s Paris Saint-Germain, but the occasion also brought Pep Guardiola back to the stadium after 144 days away.
Guardiola, wearing a Peaky Blinders-style cap, watched from the directors’ box as City lost to the French side. He sat two rows behind chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak and chief executive Ferran Soriano, returning to the club he managed from 2016 until 2026.
The Spaniard’s decade in Manchester delivered 20 major trophies, and his appearance came days after the club had been found guilty on 114 of 115 financial charges relating to a nine-season period between 2009 and 2018.
City’s supporters responded defiantly on the club’s first home match following the verdict. Before kick-off, fans displayed a tifo carrying the initials “CTID” – City ’til I Die – as the Etihad rallied around the team despite the scale of the off-field consequences now facing the club.
Guardiola repeats his backing
After the charges became public, Guardiola had issued a message of support for City, saying he stood with the club more strongly than ever.
He said his support extended to the club, its owner, chairman, Soriano, the players, coaching staff, Enzo Maresca and City’s supporters, adding that everyone would come through the situation together.
Maresca replaced Guardiola as manager and now has to guide the side through the sporting and wider repercussions of the Premier League ruling. PSG’s four goals ensured that the pressure was felt immediately on a Champions League stage.
City later welcomed Guardiola’s return and thanked those inside the Etihad for their backing, while turning attention towards Saturday’s next home fixture.
