According to the latest report from The Telegraph, Pep Guardiola and Manchester City players are preparing for Sunday's away match against Liverpool, with club staff concerned about the reaction from opposing fans.

The timing has proven challenging for staff: only four days separated the leak of Manchester City's punishment and the release of the independent panel's findings. While City Football Group executives had time to process the guilty verdict, nothing could fully prepare them for the severity and tone of the panel's decision.

One staff member revealed: "What struck me most was the tone the panel used to describe the club's actions. We waited so long to see how the Premier League's allegations would play out, and many thoughts went through our minds during that time. But I never expected a result like this. The panel's language was extremely harsh, and I'm still shocked. I think that's what concerns me."

In the 40-page "Key Decision" document, the panel meticulously detailed the extent of Manchester City's deception. The word "sham" appeared at least eight times to describe arrangements made under what the panel called a "fraudulent funding scheme," including secret owner funding of sponsorship agreements worth £830 million.

However, the panel's complete rejection of Manchester City's "explanation" (notably placed in quotation marks by the panel) may have had greater impact than repeated use of the word "sham." The panel found that Manchester City's explanation was "created subsequently to conceal and misrepresent the true nature of the fraudulent funding scheme."

Manchester City executives had more time than club staff to absorb the guilty verdict—reports suggest they knew since July—yet they still appeared stunned by the harsh language used in the decision.

Sources described City CEO Ferran Soriano as appearing "defiant but deflated" when he learned the news at the 33rd UEFA European Club Association assembly in Copenhagen last week, a major gathering of football's key decision-makers.

Manchester City's legal team may challenge the panel's characterization of the club's arrangements as "sham" during the appeal process. The club continues to assert its innocence and insists it has "overwhelming evidence" to support its position.

Before then, Manchester City staff and City Football Group employees must contend with the chaos, anger, and impact of the news. Potential sanctions include expulsion or relegation from the Premier League, significant point deductions, and substantial fines—all with serious consequences for the club's revenue and employment.

One employee said: "I'm not a naturally anxious person, but this can't be ignored. We're all talking about it. It's hard not to pay attention to what people are saying and reporting." Many are anxious but hope to wait until all appeal options are exhausted and the full punishment is announced before discussing it outside close friends and family.

In a video shown to staff after the panel's report was released, Soriano acknowledged that "this may be somewhat distracting," but urged employees to "continue focusing on our business as usual and look after everyone in our extended family."

According to the latest financial reports as of 30 June 2024, all 12 clubs under City Football Group employ 2,647 people combined (including players) with a total wage bill of £630.5 million. Manchester City alone employs 670 staff: 252 in the football department and 418 in commercial and operations.

However, as many who work in football clubs will tell you, it's not like working for any other employer. Many Manchester City staff are also club supporters, so there's a personal loyalty and commitment alongside their professional roles.

Since the Abu Dhabi group's acquisition in 2008, Manchester City has undergone major transformation. Many employees have been part of this journey for years, and during that time, their trust and loyalty to the club has deepened.

Many staff remember the support the club provided during difficult times. Manchester City was the first Premier League club to announce it would not furlough non-playing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic—a point Pep Guardiola mentioned when asked why he loves the club so much late last season.

Critics might argue none of this would have happened had the club not concealed revenue as the panel determined. Several people interviewed by The Telegraph mentioned their trust in club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak in the days before the panel's report. Al Mubarak had written to fans, emphasizing his "confidence and commitment" to proving the club's innocence and that he remains "as resolute as ever in what we set out to do."

Some recall that in February 2020, UEFA banned Manchester City from the Champions League for two years, but five months later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the ban. One employee said: "I remember there was a lot of speculation at the time, but ultimately the club proved its innocence."

"As they always say, so you understand why I want to wait for the entire process to finish. Of course I'm concerned—it would be strange if I wasn't—but I trusted the chairman then, and I still trust him now."

Others seem more anxious: "I know what the club says, but after reading the report, how can I not worry?" If Manchester City loses its appeal, the club could still take the case to the High Court. "I think this legal battle will go on for a long time," another employee said.

Guardiola and Manchester City players are believed to be preparing for Sunday's match against Liverpool at Anfield, their first game since the investigation findings were released. They will face an extremely hostile atmosphere. Staff have expressed concern about the reaction from opposing fans on match day.

Guardiola is expected to discuss the guilty verdict with players when the team returns to training after the international break on Thursday. Nearly 80% of the current squad (since Guardiola was replaced as Manchester City manager by Guardiola this summer) were signed after the Premier League first accused Manchester City of more than 100 breaches of financial rules.

While the average age of outfield players is between 24 and 25, many are accustomed to handling high-pressure environments. However, the environment they will face over the coming weeks and months could be far more intense.

Club executives may encourage players and staff to maintain a "business as usual" mindset, but even for a club that has weathered many storms over the past decade, this period is unprecedented.

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