PSG boss Luis Enrique backs Man City to keep trophies despite guilty verdict

City were found guilty of the majority of 115 charges by an independent commission, relating to alleged financial rule breaches between 2009 and 2018. The club, who deny wrongdoing, have appealed the verdict, with potential sanctions yet to be announced.

Speaking ahead of PSG's Champions League visit to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, Enrique said he was surprised by the findings but urged patience while the process runs its course.

"If I speak only about football and the things I saw on the pitch, they deserved those trophies," he said.

"I love the way they play football. The trophies you win on the pitch remain on the pitch. They deserved to win that and I hope they can avoid the sanction. But we have to wait."

The case centres on allegations that City used commercial agreements to inflate revenue and understate costs, with the Premier League claiming more than 830 million pounds was funnelled into the club's football operations through arrangements described as "sham" contracts.

Possible punishments range from financial penalties and points deductions to relegation or the removal of titles, although no sanctions have been confirmed.

City's clash with the reigning European champions will be their first home fixture since the guilty verdict was announced, placing the club's off-field situation under further scrutiny ahead of a significant European test.

Enrique also has a personal connection to former City manager Pep Guardiola, who is expected to attend the match for the first time since leaving the club at the end of last season. Guardiola won 20 trophies during his decade in Manchester, and the PSG coach said he would keep any private conversations with his friend away from the public eye.

France international Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, dismissed suggestions that the uncertainty surrounding City could make them a more vulnerable opponent.

"It's always difficult regardless of it being a good moment or a bad moment," the PSG forward said.

"They have a high-quality team, world-class players and a top coach as well. It doesn't really matter. It's always tough playing Manchester City."