Enzo Maresca knew the media agenda before he spoke to reporters ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield. There was little chance he would face many questions about the upcoming game. The 115 verdict landed during the international break, so he anticipated being asked mainly about the situation Manchester City currently face. Maresca stood behind his club and managed the full press conference with ease.

Enzo Maresca stayed composed and self-assured while fielding press questions.

Maresca remained cool from the first question of his pre-game press conference yesterday. The initial inquiry set the tone for what followed. Maresca was asked if he dismissed the anger aimed at Manchester City over the 115 verdict. When questioned about calling the furore ‘noise’, Maresca said: “First of all, morning, I understand the reason why, most of you are here, but the only thing I can say is something that I already said, that there is a process ongoing. And in this moment, I completely trust the club. So this is what I can say about that.“

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Enzo Maresca did not waver from his backing of the Manchester City leadership. He explained on several occasions that he relies on the decision makers at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders. His most direct answer came when he backed the City hierarchy. Asked if he trusted the Premier League and if a conspiracy existed against Manchester City, Maresca said: “Again, I understand the reason why most of you are here, but the only thing I can say is what I said already, that the reason why I joined this club is because I completely trust, 100%, the owner, the CEO, the sporting director, all the organisations, so I don’t have any doubts about that.“

Enzo Maresca was also pressed by the media on the fallout if Manchester City lose their appeal against the Premier League’s verdict. The City manager offered an alternative view on that scenario that rarely gets considered. He said: “And what happens if the appeal, we won? What’s happening, right?“

Manchester City face external pressure but remain focused on the next fixture.

It is undeniable that Manchester City have serious external challenges. The large turnout for Enzo Maresca’s pre-game press conference illustrated this point. The endless stream of opinion pieces predicting punishment if the club loses its appeal against the Premier League Commission’s decision showed the same.

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However, everything Enzo Maresca and his team can focus on is what happens next on the pitch. That is their match against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The outside noise will continue until a resolution arrives on the entire 115 affair, though no one knows when that point will come. Judging by how Maresca handled the most trying press conference during his tenure as Manchester City manager, business is usual at City. That has been their method throughout the entire affair and it will not change now. The wolves may be at City’s door, but they are powering on irrespective of this. Enzo Maresca illustrated this when it was his turn to face the media.