Pep might think he’s cursed as chance of another Champions League victory seems to be slipping through his fingers

felt. Again, my expertise extends only to watching Rumpole of the Bailey, but there are real financial implications from the ban.

Being hit with big fines is tough and, in the longer term, I’ve seen people suggest it could cost hundreds of millions, with no European competition. How will that affect the ability to keep and recruit players? Will the squad be weakened?

All that will have gone through Pep’s head because he’s only human like the rest of us – even if he sometimes looks like a supercomputer!

This was the season for City to win it. With Liverpool out and the advantage they hold over Real Madrid, they are, far and away, the strongest side left in it.

So he’ll be praying the Champions League resumes.

If it doesn’t, then I’m not sure he will win it with City. And what’s left? Well, no doubt he can try to win all the domestic trophies. Again. And prove himself to be a legend of the game here in England… if he’s not already.

Even that, though, may be impacted by the fallout of the ban. And then there’s the rivalry with Liverpool, too, where they are clearly behind at the moment.

Far more serious is the global catastrophe that is unfolding before our eyes, like something we’ve only ever seen before in a movie. And that is a very real issue now, far greater than any sporting matters.

Yet, if Liverpool feel cursed that this has happened just as they were about to win their first title in 30 years, then Pep could be forgiven for thinking something similar.

I hope he doesn’t leave, I hope he goes on to cement his position as a legend within English football.

But I wonder, if the ban is upheld, what his reaction will be.