Former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly expressed his continued support for the club as it appeals against penalties imposed by the Premier League. Guardiola, who stepped down from his role at the end of last season after a decade in charge, has been spending time away from football in Barcelona.

During his tenure from 2016 to 2026, Guardiola guided Manchester City to 20 trophies, cementing an era of on-field success. However, his legacy has been overshadowed by a four-year Premier League investigation into alleged financial breaches by the club. Guardiola was manager throughout the entire inquiry and consistently maintained that club officials had assured him no wrongdoing had occurred.

This week, Guardiola took to social media to reinforce his solidarity with Manchester City fans and the club’s leadership. He stated, "I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will be, behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano, CEO], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca, above] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear - we will get through this together. I love you all."

Manchester City formally confirmed on Thursday that they had lodged an appeal against the Premier League’s sanctions. In an official club statement, they described the ruling as containing “clear material errors, of law, principle and fact” and asserted that the opinion was “unsafe.” The club denied all accusations brought forward by the league.

The exact nature of the alleged financial breaches and the sanctions applied by the Premier League have not been detailed here, but the dispute underscores ongoing tensions between the football association and one of its most successful clubs in recent history. As the appeal process unfolds, both parties are expected to argue their positions before an independent panel or tribunal. Meanwhile, Guardiola’s message signals an attempt to unify supporters and stakeholders amid the controversy.