Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged that the club’s supporters have borne the brunt of the Premier League’s recent financial charges against the team, following their 3-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on October 11. The match was marked by hostile reactions from Liverpool fans, who greeted Manchester City players with boos and chants of "going down, going down" amid ongoing speculation about potential sanctions after the club was found to have breached league financial regulations.

City has denied any wrongdoing and has lodged an appeal against the Premier League's decision. Despite the off-field controversies, Manchester City maintained their perfect start to the Premier League season with the win, a result that also extended their lead atop the league standings.

Speaking to reporters on October 13, Maresca expressed sympathy for City supporters, suggesting they had faced more difficulties than the players or coaching staff amid the ongoing dispute. “It has probably been more tough for our fans than for the players or for me,” he said. Maresca noted the added challenge faced by City fans, who have been subjected to accusations from rivals. “If I were an Arsenal fan or a United fan, and you are a City fan, I can say, ‘my friend, you are a cheat’ or these kinds of things,” he explained.

Maresca also defended the team's celebrations following their victory at Anfield, rejecting criticism from some media outlets and opposing fans who questioned the appropriateness of their on-pitch jubilation. The Italian manager emphasized that celebrating a significant win over a major rival was natural and deserved, and expressed puzzlement at the scrutiny directed towards the players for their reactions after the match.