Transfer embargo likelier than ban
in the Football Leaks expose – were obtained illegally. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said this week that evidence showed a “concrete case” of circumventing FFP rules.
Yet City remain confident UEFA will not reach for the ultimate sanction of banning them given the strong legal challenge the club would mount. Guardiola has long insisted City will cope with whatever is coming and yesterday said: “If it happens, because UEFA decide that, we will accept it and move forward.”
If City are found guilty of transgressions when the independent body appointed by UEFA has assessed their case, a transfer embargo appears the more likely sanction.
Guardiola will take his unbeaten side to Stamford Bridge tonight missing Sergio Aguero, as the striker continues to struggle with an abductor strain. That could mean a more central role for Raheem Sterling if Gabriel Jesus, who has just one goal in the Premier League this season, makes way for a three-man frontline of Leroy Sane, Riyad Mahrez and Sterling.
“Raheem can play in many positions – three up front, can play No10. With his versatility he moves well in the three sides [of the frontline]. I prefer when he plays like a winger,” said the City boss.
“But the answer is he can play in all positions. I am not going to tell you the position he will play but of course he can play a few minutes in the striker as well as the left and right.”
Guardiola continues to be without former Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne but he said his star was closing in on a return to his first-team squad.
“He will come back and train with the team soon – one week or less than one week,” he said. “After that we will see if he will be fit. To have another player in this period with so many games is so important.”