Maresca to demand 'siege mentality' from Man City players
BBC Sport
Tony Pulis column: BBC Sport explores the implications of Manchester City's Financial Fair Play (FFP) breach.
If I were managing Manchester City now, after their FFP violation, my focus would be clear:
"No-one is going to like us, but we won't care."
I loved being the underdog and proving people wrong—that's what I'd demand from my squad and supporters too. They need to show unity and siege mentality to prove their dedication to the club despite off-field controversies.
This Sunday's match at Liverpool will be a key test, with players returning from international duty amidst heightened scrutiny.
The Premier League is under a microscope, and City faces a media frenzy accusing them of breaking rules they've dominated for over a decade. Despite their denial, the allegations pile up.
Enzo Maresca, now at the helm, must reassure his players that the club will fiercely defend itself—and them. He should encourage them to focus solely on winning games, ignoring off-field distractions and any FFP questions.
"No excuses about what is happening off the field would be tolerated," Pulis emphasizes.