Enzo Maresca will speak to his Manchester City players about the independent commission's verdict when the full squad reports back to the City Football Academy on Thursday. According to The Times, the head coach plans to use that first full gathering since the decision became public to address the group directly.
City were found guilty on 114 of the 115 charges brought by the Premier League. The club disputes those findings and has signalled its intention to appeal. Maresca has kept matters away from the pitch separate from his work with the team since taking over from Pep Guardiola in the summer, but the return of the international contingent offers the first real chance to speak to most of his players together.
Thursday's session will be the first time the majority of those who have been away with their countries are back at the CFA. That timing gives Maresca a narrow window before Sunday's trip to Anfield to face Liverpool, a fixture that would test any squad's focus at the best of times.
There is at least one piece of good news on the fitness front. The Times reports no concerns over Erling Haaland after the striker was substituted during Norway's Nations League game against Portugal. Norway manager Stale Solbakken said afterwards that Haaland was exhausted rather than injured — a distinction that will matter more than most to a side preparing for Anfield.
Whether the verdict talks prove a distraction or a galvanising force remains to be seen. For now, Maresca's immediate task is straightforward: get his players in a room, say what needs saying, and turn their attention to Liverpool.