Pep Guardiola is set to make his first return to the Etihad Stadium since leaving Manchester City when the club hosts Paris Saint-Germain in a Champions League clash on Wednesday, October 14.
According to BBC Sport, the former City manager is expected to attend the fixture, marking his first visit to the stadium since ending his decade-long spell with the club at the end of last season.
Guardiola’s return comes amid continued attention surrounding Manchester City following the independent commission’s verdict on the Premier League’s 115 charges relating to alleged financial-rule breaches between the 2009-10 and 2017-18 seasons.
City were found guilty of the majority of the charges and have appealed the decision, while the club continues to deny wrongdoing.
Despite the controversy, Guardiola has maintained his support for the club’s ownership and leadership. The Spaniard recently reiterated that he would “always” stand by City and expressed confidence that the club would overcome the situation.
During his remarkable 10-year tenure, Guardiola transformed City into one of Europe’s dominant forces, winning six Premier League titles, including four consecutive championships. He also guided the club to its first Champions League triumph, three FA Cups and five League Cups.
Before his departure, Guardiola had also insisted he would remain with City even if the club were relegated as a consequence of the charges.
City will first travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday before welcoming defending European champions PSG to Manchester three days later.
Guardiola’s return is expected to add an emotional dimension to an already highly anticipated Champions League encounter at the Etihad.
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