Pep Guardiola is expected to return to Etihad Stadium next week to watch Manchester City host Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League — his first visit since leaving the club at the end of last season after ten years as manager.

The trip will carry extra weight. City's Champions League tie against PSG on Wednesday, 14 October will be the club's first home fixture since an independent commission found them guilty of the majority of the 115 Premier League financial regulation charges brought against them.

City's response to the verdict

The commission ruled that City had breached Premier League financial rules across seasons between 2009-10 and 2017-18, with the report alleging the club falsely inflated commercial revenues by £830 million through contracts it described as "sham." City have denied all wrongdoing and lodged a formal appeal against the findings.

In the wake of the verdict, Guardiola moved swiftly to declare his support for the club, its owners, and its leadership. The 55-year-old took to social media with a statement of solidarity.

"I want every single Manchester City fan across the world to know I am here; more than ever. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano], the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters. Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."

Guardiola had previously addressed the charges in November 2024, stating he would remain with the club — even if the outcome resulted in relegation.

A return laden with history

During his decade at City, Guardiola assembled one of English football's most dominant eras. He led the club to six Premier League titles — including a record four consecutive championships from 2020-21 — along with the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.

Before the PSG fixture, City return to Premier League action against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday at 16:30 BST, following a three-week international break. Enzo Maresca's side will be eager to find their footing ahead of what shapes up as an emotionally charged week at the Etihad.