Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has pushed back against suggestions that his side's jubilant celebrations following their 3-0 win at Liverpool were inappropriate, given the timing of the result just after an independent commission ruled the club guilty of breaching Premier League financial regulations.
Sunday's victory at Anfield marked City's first fixture since the verdict was announced, and the celebrations that followed drew scrutiny from pundits and media commentators. Striker Erling Haaland appeared emotional in front of the away end, which included his father Alf-Inge among the supporters, while Maresca was seen pumping his fists on the touchline in a display of pure delight.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Paris St-Germain, Maresca was asked directly about the backlash his team's reaction had generated. He did not hold back. "Criticised for what?" he said. "We work every day to win games. It's the only thing that we can think about and be focused on."
The Italian coach made clear that the club's legal troubles were a separate matter from what happens on the pitch. "The rest? It's just things from outside that we need to deal with - but we were so, so, so happy on the pitch, and you cannot imagine inside the changing room," he explained.
Maresca also acknowledged how the situation might look from the outside, particularly to supporters of rival clubs. "If I am an Arsenal fan or United fan and you are a City fan I say: 'hey, my friend you cheat'. So it is probably more tough for them [the fans], but we were happy inside the changing room," he said, adding that claiming victory at Anfield - traditionally one of the toughest away grounds in English football - was reason enough for genuine celebration.
Captain Ruben Dias echoed his manager's sentiments when addressing the matter himself. "I stand by the manager's words," the Portuguese defender said. "It was a win at Anfield. It was a show of how much it means to us." When pressed on the club's reaction to being found guilty by the commission - a decision City are formally appealing - Dias struck a composed tone. "We are very calm and we trust the club," he stated.
Wednesday's match against the reigning European champions will be City's first home fixture since the ruling was handed down, adding another layer of significance to a game already carrying historic undertones. Pep Guardiola, who led City to an extraordinary haul of 20 trophies across a decade in charge before departing at the end of last season, is set to return to the Etihad Stadium as PSG's manager.
Maresca spoke warmly of his predecessor's expected return. "This has been his house for 10 years with what he has done here," he said. "It's exciting for everyone, for the fans." It remains unclear whether Guardiola will take the opportunity to speak publicly to supporters or former players before kickoff.
Following the guilty verdict, Guardiola had already issued a statement of solidarity with the club via social media, writing: "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. Let me be clear: we will get through this together."
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.