“I Won the Championship with Leicester, So in Case We’re in League One… We’ll See” — Man City Boss

Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca has responded with humour to questions about the possibility of the club dropping to League One if it faces severe punishment over alleged breaches of Premier League financial regulations.

According to Fabrizio Romano in a report published on October 9, 2026, the Italian coach made the remarks during a press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Anfield. Asked about the prospect of leading City in a lower division, Maresca referred to his previous success with Leicester City, where he won the Championship title in the 2023/24 season.

“I won the Championship with Leicester, so in case we’re in League One… we’ll see!” Maresca said with a smile.

He then cautioned against speculating about an outcome that has not yet been determined, adding that the club was discussing a possibility whose final details remained unknown.

The comments come amid continuing uncertainty over Manchester City’s legal battle with the Premier League. An independent commission reportedly found the club guilty of multiple breaches of the league’s financial regulations, prompting renewed debate about the potential consequences. City have consistently denied wrongdoing and are challenging the findings through an appeal.

The case has become one of the most closely watched disputes in English football, with supporters and observers questioning what sanctions could follow if the club’s appeal is unsuccessful. Potential punishments discussed in connection with the proceedings include a substantial points deduction or expulsion from the Premier League. However, the final outcome and any penalties will depend on the relevant legal process, and relegation to League One has not been established as a likely or confirmed consequence.

Maresca declined to offer a firm commitment about his future should City face a major sporting sanction. Instead, he argued that it would be premature to make decisions or draw conclusions while the appeal remained unresolved.

The manager also explained that his decision to take charge at the Etihad Stadium was influenced by his confidence in the club’s leadership. His comments suggested that he continues to place trust in the people responsible for running Manchester City, despite the scrutiny surrounding the organisation.

Maresca further defended the achievements of the club during Pep Guardiola’s time in charge, arguing that the work involved in winning major trophies should not simply be dismissed because of the ongoing case. The Italian previously served as Guardiola’s assistant during the 2022/23 campaign, giving him direct experience of the standards and preparation required to compete successfully at the highest level.

Appointed Manchester City manager in June 2026 following Guardiola’s departure, Maresca arrived with a record of success at Leicester. His Championship triumph in 2023/24 secured the club’s return to the Premier League and provided the basis for his light-hearted remark about potentially competing in a lower division again.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding City’s legal situation, Maresca insisted that his immediate attention remains on the team’s performances. Manchester City entered the Liverpool fixture at the top of the Premier League standings after winning their opening five matches of the campaign.

He acknowledged that the allegations and appeal could not be ignored, but maintained that players and coaching staff must continue fulfilling their responsibilities rather than allow developments away from the pitch to disrupt their preparations.

The upcoming encounter at Anfield therefore presents City with an important sporting challenge while questions over the club’s financial case remain unresolved. For Maresca, the priority is to maintain the team’s focus and continue competing, leaving speculation about possible sanctions until the appeal process provides greater clarity.