Marc Guehi, a recent addition to Manchester City’s squad, has emphasized the team’s focus and unity amid the club’s ongoing appeal against a Premier League ruling that found City guilty of breaching financial regulations.

The verdict, announced on September 25, has dominated discussions about the club for more than three weeks. Players, who were on international duty when the sanctions became public, returned to heightened scrutiny and pressure both on and off the pitch. Despite the external distraction, Manchester City has maintained strong performances, recording wins against Liverpool and Ipswich to preserve a perfect start to their Premier League campaign. The club is scheduled to face AEK Athens in the Champions League later this week.

Guehi, who joined City in the January transfer window from Crystal Palace, where he served as captain, expressed confidence in the club’s leadership and its message to the squad. He is part of a four-player leadership group selected by head coach Enzo Maresca, alongside captain Ruben Dias and deputy Erling Haaland, both of whom have led efforts to keep the team focused on its sporting objectives.

“The club notified everyone straight away, so we were pretty calm,” Guehi said. “There were a lot of relaxed faces because we have a lot of trust and belief in the club and what’s been going on here.” He added that the team spirit among players, staff, and supporters has been notable in the face of adversity.

While Manchester City maintains its innocence and is actively appealing the Premier League’s sanctions, the players appear to have accepted the club’s stance. Guehi highlighted the collective message to remain focused on football as the priority, underscoring the unity within the squad. “It can be easy to listen to the noise and be affected by everything going on, but I’m so happy to see the team spirit and everyone taking to what’s happening and just focusing on the football,” he said.

Guehi also reflected on his experience since joining the Etihad Stadium side, noting the support he has received both on and off the field. “Ever since I’ve got here they’ve been nothing but fantastic with me,” he said. “The support that I’ve had with tough times on and off the pitch… I’m aware of the success the club has had and I want to be part of the future success.”

He described Manchester City as a “family club” where mutual respect and camaraderie are central. In response to the challenges posed by the Premier League ruling, Guehi reiterated the team’s resolve: “The only thing that’s been said is to focus on the football, which is all we can do.”