Pep Guardiola hopeful Manchester City charges saga will come to an end soon

Manager wants to put legal issues behind 'as soon as possible'

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he is glad the legal issues facing the club will come to an end soon. AP

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is glad that a hearing into the 115 Premier League charges for alleged breaches of financial rules is likely to begin soon and hopes there will be a swift conclusion to it as well.

The English champions have started their quest for an unprecedented fifth straight crown under a cloud, just as they did in recent seasons since the charges were laid in February 2023.

An independent commission is set to rule on the charges at some stage this season, with recent reports saying the hearing could begin as early as mid-September.

The hearing is scheduled to last for 10 weeks, with a verdict likely to be delivered early in 2025.

Speaking about the development, City manager Guardiola said: "I am happy it starts soon and hopefully it finishes soon for the benefit of all of us.

"Especially for the club but for all the other Premier League clubs, like for all the people that don't wait the sentence.

"I wish from deep in my heart to go to the trial, the independent panel - and I say it again, independent panel - and as soon as possible release what happened, and we will accept like always we have done."

When asked if he was concerned the situation could impact the performance of City players, Guardiola said: "No, we have been three or four years talking about that."

Put to him that it could be different now it is coming to a head, the City boss added: "That's good. I know it's going to happen, we accept it and focus on Ipswich Town.

"After West Ham, international break, Brentford, Arsenal, Champions League and so on. I can give you all the calendar - it's in my mind."

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters last week said he accepts the legal challenges facing City and others create "uncertainty and frustration" but said that "there is no happy alternative to enforcing the rules".

Meanwhile, Guardiola said the decision to re-sign former captain Ilkay Gundogan was an easy one, considering the season the German international enjoyed at Barcelona.

Gundogan played seven seasons for Guardiola's team, winning 14 trophies including a historic treble, before departing for Spain.

Now back in Manchester after Barcelona were forced to trade a number of players to balance their books, Gundogan could feature in Saturday's home Premier League match against Ipswich Town.

"(Gundogan) called me and asked me the situation, the chance to come back and we said yes immediately," Guardiola said.

Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic scores his side's second goal in their 2-0 Premier League win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18, 2024. PA

Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic celebrates scoring their second goal with Bernardo Silva, Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne. Action Images

Mateo Kovacic, Erling Haaland, Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis of Manchester City celebrate after winning the game. EPA

Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates with teammate Kevin De Bruyne after scoring the first goal. EPA

Manchester City's Erling Haaland scores their opener against Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. EPA

Manchester City's Erling Haaland celebrates scoring their first goal with Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne. Action Images

Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez appeals for a penalty. AFP

Manchester City's Savinho in action with Chelsea's Cole Palmer. Reuters

Chelsea's Romeo Lavia is closed down by Manchester City's Bernardo Silva. Reuters

"He played really well last season and I know how competitive it is. I love his qualities and he will give us an incredible alternative.

"If he has to play (Saturday) then he knows everything. He is always in the right position and everyone is so thrilled and happy that he is back. I am sure it is the same from the fans."

Gundogan left City for Barcelona in 2023 on a free transfer after leading Guardiola's side to the treble, among 14 major trophies he won with the English champions including five Premier League titles.

Gundogan made 51 appearances last season, helping Barca to a second-place finish in La Liga.

"It is a privilege for all of us. It is an honour," the manager said. "The club is being ran for everyone amazingly. (The players) have everything they need to perform at the highest level possible. That is why it is a comfortable place to work."