Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola is fighting despite the threat of relegation ahead of the “trial of the century” in the Premier League, which begins on Monday

Pep Guardiola stressed that Manchester City are ready to learn their fate when the hearing into the alleged 115 breaches of Premier League rules begins on Monday.

City have been accused of financial irregularities for nine years since 2009. The ultimate penalty for a guilty verdict is relegation. Points deductions and fines are also possible penalties.

The investigation was triggered by the publication of Football Leaks documents by Der Spiegel in 2018. Since then, City has been accused of funneling club owners’ money through sponsors in the United Arab Emirates.

Since the explosive report six years ago, the club has been under intense scrutiny from players inside and outside of football. On Friday, LaLiga president Javier Tebas said he believed the majority of top players wanted City to be punished.

Guardiola did not mention his compatriot by name when answering questions on the matter – although there was at least a veiled reference to the 62-year-old. Instead, he stressed that he was happy that the day the club would face trial had finally come.

Javier Tebas claims the majority of Premier League clubs believe Man City should be punished

The trial against City, owned by Sheikh Mansour (pictured), is due to begin on Monday.

“I am not a lawyer, there are many lawyers in this country and in Spain, but we will wait and see,” he told reporters ahead of City’s clash with Brentford on Saturday. “No [it’s not discussed in the dressing room].

“It will happen and we will accept the verdict.” I’m glad it starts on Monday, then we’ll see.

“I know what people are looking for, I know what they expect, but everyone is innocent until proven guilty.”

The city denies any wrongdoing and is defending its case in an independent investigation.

Guardiola’s team have made a perfect start to their Premier League campaign, thanks in large part to Erling Haaland’s incredible goalscoring ability, but the striker’s participation on Saturday is in doubt following the death of a family friend.

The City boss said his thoughts were with the player and announced that an answer to his availability would be given at short notice.

‘[It’s a] “It’s a difficult time for him and his family,” Guardiola added. “Our thoughts are with him and his family and we will see tomorrow if he is physically and mentally able to play.”

Erling Haaland could miss City’s game against Brentford for family reasons

The Bees, who have made a good start to the season, are the last team to return from the Etihad with three points, with Thomas Frank’s side claiming a famous 2-1 win in November 2022 thanks to a brace from Ivan Toney.

City will also be without Nathan Ake for this game. Guardiola announced that the defender will be out until after the next international break after sustaining an injury while playing for the Dutch national team.