'Criticised for what?' - Maresca defends Anfield celebrations

What the report says

Manchester City head coach Enzo Maresca has defended the team’s post-match celebrations after their 3-0 win at Liverpool, pushing back against criticism from pundits and media. Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday before City’s Champions League match against Paris St-Germain, Maresca said the squad had every reason to be happy after a big victory and asked, in effect, what else they should have done. He said the players were focused on winning games and suggested outside debate was not their concern.

The reaction followed Sunday’s match at Anfield, which was City’s first game after an independent commission found the club guilty of breaches of Premier League financial rules. City have appealed the verdict. In the aftermath of the win, Erling Haaland appeared emotional in front of City supporters, while Maresca celebrated on the touchline. Captain Ruben Dias also backed the celebrations, saying the result reflected how much the win meant to the team and that the squad remained calm and trusted the club.

The issue comes as City prepare for a busy week, including a home match against European champions Paris St-Germain. Former manager Pep Guardiola is expected back at the Etihad Stadium for the first time since leaving at the end of last season, adding to the attention around the fixture. BBC Sport’s report places the celebrations in the wider context of the club’s ongoing off-field scrutiny and the strong emotions surrounding a notable away win at Liverpool.