Man City players can block out 'noise' of away fans - Maresca

What the report says

Manchester City’s first Premier League defeat of the season at Aston Villa has been followed by renewed focus on the hostile atmosphere surrounding the club, with away supporters repeatedly referencing the team’s financial charges. BBC Sport reports that chants at Villa Park included accusations linked to City’s guilty verdict over breaches of Premier League financial rules, adding to a backdrop of scrutiny as the club awaits any sanction and the outcome of its appeal.

Manager Enzo Maresca said the players have shown they can stay focused despite the noise from opposing fans. Citing recent away matches at Liverpool and Villa, he argued the squad has concentrated on what they can control on the pitch rather than outside criticism. The report also notes that players have spoken publicly about expecting hostility in away grounds, with midfielder Elliot Anderson acknowledging that City often receive this kind of treatment.

The BBC piece says City have responded with their own gallows humour from the stands, while Maresca insisted he was satisfied with the group’s mentality. There is also some broader context: the club’s next fixtures include home games against Brighton, before a Champions League trip to RB Leipzig and a league visit to Nottingham Forest on 7 November. Forest were themselves previously punished by the Premier League for financial rule breaches, which may add another layer to the reception City receive there.