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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
James Robson

Man City boss Pep Guardiola fumes over question about personal finances amid FFP probe

Pep Guardiola’s treble celebrations were marred by fresh questions over Manchester City’s finances.

After watching his side romp to a 6-0 FA Cup final win against Watford, the Catalan was again forced to deny alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play – insisting his achievements would not be undermined even if City are handed a Champions League ban by Uefa.

But he was infuriated when quizzed about his own finances.

When asked about Der Spiegel’s claims that former City manager Roberto Mancini was part-paid by another club in Abu Dhabi, owned by Sheikh Mansour.

City deny any financial wrongdoing.

And despite attempts to shut the question down at Wembley – Guardiola insisted on responding.

“Do you know the question you’re asking me?” he asked. “Did I receive money for another situation, right now, today? Honestly, do you think I deserve to have this type of question, the day we won the treble, did I receive money?

“Are you accusing me of receiving money?”

Guardiola has repeatedly claimed he has received assurances from City’s hierarchy over their actions – and once again insisted he has faith in the club.

“We are not guilty until it’s proven,” he said. “This club makes a big step forward with the investment. Can you do that without top players? No way.

“Money helps to buy the incredible players we have, yes.

“But we wait. If we’re punished we accept it. But I listen to my chairman and my CEO, they give me the arguments for why we are under investigation and I trust them.

“They tell me we are fair and we absolutely follow the rules. I believe them.

Guardiola was frustrated by the timing of the question (AFP/Getty Images)

“If the opponents and contenders think it’s just about the money, it is okay.”

City became the first English club to win a domestic treble after adding the FA Cup to the Premier League and EFL Cup.

“It’s one of the best seasons I’ve ever experienced as a manager,” said Guardiola. “I wouldn’t say the best season, but one of them.

“Ten months, playing all competitions, and no team has done this in this country. One team will repeat it sooner rather than later. It’s the consistency.”

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