Enzo Maresca backs Man City appeal and declares Haaland ready for Anfield

Maresca, who knows the club from his previous spell as Pep Guardiola's assistant, said he trusted the people running City and believed they were confident of a successful outcome.

"I trust the club because I know the people," Maresca said. "But I promise you that my focus is just about football. I'm not thinking about different things. I just focus on the things I control, which is the football side."

The City manager said the club's legal situation had not been discussed during his recruitment process, adding that he believed those in charge were convinced they would win the appeal.

Maresca declined to speculate about what might happen if the appeal failed, stressing that the process must be allowed to run its course.

"There is an appeal ongoing. We'll see what happens," he said.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club, Maresca called for unity between the players, supporters and City hierarchy.

"In this moment, it's also a matter of sticking together," he said. "The most important thing is we continue to do the right things."

Attention now turns to a difficult trip to Anfield, where City face a Liverpool side backed by one of the most intense atmospheres in English football.

Maresca acknowledged that the pressure would be considerable but insisted his players had the experience to handle it.

"It will be a tough game for sure, a tough test. We need to be ready," he said. "It will be our duty to do our best and win the game."

The City manager also confirmed that Erling Haaland was ready for the contest after taking a short break in Marbella during the international period.

"He's good. He had two or three days off, played golf and had some recovery. He's ready for Anfield," Maresca said.