After the international break, the Premier League returns to action. Before their matches, head coaches from all twenty Premier League clubs will attend press conferences as usual. The Athletic has learned from sources that Premier League clubs will discuss the Manchester City case with one another, and the views of Arteta and Lampard, who both have previous experience at Manchester City, will receive particular attention.

The two-week international break has drawn all eyes to the European and global stage, but this weekend, the Premier League returns, and one major issue is on everyone's mind.

The biggest legal case in English football history saw its decision delivered during this domestic competition break; the controversy surrounding Manchester City's "systematic" breaches of financial regulations has not subsided since. The final punishment has not been revealed, and whether Manchester City's appeal will succeed remains unclear. However, over the next 48 hours, all 20 head coaches will be engaged in discussion of this matter.

All Premier League head coaches (including Maresca) are required to attend routine press conferences ahead of this weekend's matches, where journalists will inevitably ask about the independent commission's decision last week, which upheld nearly all allegations against Manchester City. For the first time, the media will gather the managers' views, asking them about potential penalties and the subsequent ripple effects.

Notably, many football legends affected by Manchester City – Sir Alex Ferguson, Wenger, Mourinho, Klopp – no longer manage. Guardiola will also be a highly anticipated figure; last week, he posted on social media in support of Manchester City, further clarifying his position.

Among the 20 head coaches and their clubs, many have no direct stake in this case, yet all will be asked about one of the most significant events in English football history.

"I think this topic is unavoidable," said a former head of PR at a long-established Premier League club who, like all sources in this article, chose to speak anonymously to avoid damaging professional relationships. "I've never heard a director of communications say, 'Okay, we're not going to answer this question at all,' because doing so often backfires. Every manager will be asked about it. Clubs are aware of this and will ultimately try to downplay the topic. No one wants their club to be the headline here. The bigger the club, the greater the headline scrutiny."

The Premier League has never witnessed an event of this magnitude before. The European Super League proposal in 2021 was temporary, but that project quickly collapsed, and the ensuing public protests gradually subsided.

However, the long-term impact of the Manchester City case could be far more profound. In theory, the punishment could include stripping the club of titles – it has dominated English football over the past decade – relegation, substantial fines, and facing claims from other clubs. Conversely, if the appeal succeeds, all these risks could disappear.

No manager facing the media can predict the outcome of this matter, but the public will certainly be eager to hear their views on the Manchester City case.

The Athletic interviewed three former PR directors at Premier League clubs to understand how the first round of press conferences will be handled and what statements managers might make regarding Manchester City's unresolved fate.

"It entirely depends on the manager himself, his personality and approach," said a veteran PR professional. "Some managers will repeat the club's unified message word for word; however, some managers resent being told what to say and how to say it. Some will give very evasive answers. Most clubs will choose to be well-prepared and speak carefully."

Manchester City certainly will. With an away match against Liverpool on Sunday, Maresca will face the media tomorrow in an extremely difficult situation. Everyone will be watching to see how he comments on Manchester City's current difficulties and what impact the events of the past two weeks have had on the league leaders.

Given the sensitive nature of the case, he may not provide substantial detail. However, supporters of other clubs, who have found collective emotional satisfaction in the commission's decision, will be very keen to hear their own manager's views.

All these press conferences will be carefully prepared. PR directors will certainly consult with senior non-football executives within the club to guide managers' responses. It is understood that clubs will also communicate with one another to discuss how to handle this sensitive matter.

"This perfectly illustrates that attending weekly press conferences is a contractual obligation for managers, but sometimes it conflicts with major football issues like this," said a former PR executive. "Managers are forced to address broad macro issues that they have no wish to be involved in. This has nothing to do with their day-to-day coaching work."

Some pre-match press conferences could also create awkward situations. Arteta served as Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City between 2016 and 2019 before taking over at Arsenal; Arsenal frequently struggled against rivals with vastly superior financial resources during that period. Coventry manager Lampard also played for Manchester City, appearing for them in the 2014-15 season before moving to New York City, which is also part of the City Football Group.

Manchester United supporters will be particularly keen to hear Carrick's views. As a player, Carrick twice finished as runner-up with Manchester United behind Manchester City, in the 2011-12 and 2017-18 seasons. His former teammates Ferdinand and Scholes have spoken on social media, calling for their championship medals to be restored; meanwhile, Manchester United's own position is somewhat sensitive: Berrada, who worked at Manchester City for years during the alleged breaches, is now Manchester United's CEO. There is currently no evidence that Berrada was involved in the commercial transactions being investigated, but this past connection will be a concern for Manchester United as they evaluate whether to pursue legal action.

Among the 20 Premier League managers, most will not face questions of such intensity. Five managers (Marco Rose, Pierre Sage, Arbeloa, Jagielka, Jaissle) are new to the Premier League this season, and it is difficult to argue that their teams' fates have been directly affected by Manchester City's investment.

However, sanctions against Manchester City could ultimately affect every club. If Manchester City receives a substantial points deduction this season, the number of relegation places would effectively shrink from three to two. But it is highly unlikely any manager will openly acknowledge this. "If a club is seriously considering legal action, they won't want to damage their case with comments," said one source.

Perhaps Everton manager Moyes' words will carry the most weight, as he is the longest-serving current Premier League manager. The Scot witnessed Everton fall far behind during the early stages of Manchester City's rise, with the team subsequently failing repeatedly to compete in Europe. Everton is also the most heavily punished club in the Premier League in recent years, receiving points deductions twice for breaching the Profit and Sustainability Rules.

"I don't think any Premier League manager is looking forward to this press conference session," said the former PR director. "Remember Mourinho, who generated his own headlines. Even if he read the back of a cereal box, it would become the headline. What everyone wants most now is a definitive conclusion, and that may be the most common statement. For instance, 'We cannot comment on those allegations; the matter is still being handled by the Premier League.' But all clubs want this resolved and to understand what ripple effects it will have on this season. Any manager saying something like that would make perfect sense."

This naturally includes Manchester City manager Maresca, who leads the league and has won all five opening matches.

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