Pulis urges Maresca to build a siege mentality at Manchester City

Tony Pulis believes Enzo Maresca must create a siege mentality at Manchester City after the club was found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules. He says the squad and supporters should respond with unity, accepting that hostility will follow them while insisting that the team continue to defend its club and compete on the pitch.

The immediate test comes on Sunday at Anfield. City’s players will return from international duty and face Liverpool amid intense scrutiny, with away supporters expected to target them despite the players’ lack of involvement in the allegations. Pulis says Maresca should reassure the squad that the club will stand by its position, then demand complete focus on winning matches without excuses or off-field distractions.

Pulis also questioned whether the current financial rules are fair or effective. He pointed to transfer spending exceeding £100m for individual players, roughly £1bn changing hands during a window, and smaller academies losing young talent to wealthier clubs for limited compensation. He argued that clubs such as Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford show how smart management can challenge richer rivals, and that the rules should reward responsible competition.

ColdMath take

City’s next match at Liverpool will test whether the squad can keep its focus while facing sustained criticism and a hostile away atmosphere.

The wider debate may also put pressure on Premier League authorities to reconsider how financial rules affect ambitious, well-run clubs.