Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has defended his players’ celebrations following their 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, questioning why the team should face criticism for celebrating the victory.
According to the BBC, Maresca spoke at a news conference on Tuesday ahead of City’s Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain. The criticism came after the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules, a verdict it has appealed.
“We won 3-0 at Anfield; what do you want us to do?” Maresca said.
“Even if it was 1-0, it would be exactly the same. We work every day to win games. It’s the only thing that we can think of. The rest is just things from outside that we need to deal with.”
Captain Rúben Dias backed his manager, insisting the players had the right to show their emotions after matches.
“I very much stand by the manager’s words,” Dias said.
“I think we will enjoy it just as much and celebrate however it feels in the moment. It will be a show of how much it means to us.”
Dias also said the squad remained calm and trusted the club through the ongoing legal process.
Maresca admitted that City supporters had faced a tougher time because of criticism from rival fans.
“Probably it has been more tough for our fans than for the players or for me because it’s more complicated,” he said.
City now turn their attention to PSG at the Etihad Stadium, with Maresca warning that his side must deliver their best performance.
“We need the perfect performance because they are the best team in Europe,” he said. “They have won the past two Champions Leagues. We need the perfect game but, doing our best, I think we can beat them and be happy at the end.”
