'I know what they do behind the scenes' - Pep Guardiola says he 'believes' Man City bosses on 115 financial charges and insists Premier League teams want them relegated

Speaking after a Premier League summit in London, Guardiola doubled down on his belief that the club's owners had done no wrong amid an investigation into 115 alleged financial breaches by City, after a large majority of top-flight clubs approved changes to sponsorship rules - something which could prove detrimental to the Cityzens.

The sponsorship amendments, which concerned the framework around associated party transactions (APT), were less than favourable to Manchester City, who attempted to throw them out but did not receive the required backing to do so. Only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest sided with City, while every other top-flight side sided with the Premier League shareholders.

As a result of the outcome, City are threatening legal action against the Premier League. They have accused chief executive Richard Masters of misleading clubs when he stated that the proposed changes would be made swiftly, and they will be aided by a tribunal in January, which could help them establish factual evidence to back up their case.

With the threat of relegation very real should City be found guilty of their 115 alleged financial breaches, Guardiola has reiterated his loyalty to the club, stating that he would stay even if the club found themselves in the Conference. He has also signed a new contract.

A statement from the Premier League said: "At a Premier League shareholders' meeting today, clubs approved changes to the League's associated party transaction (APT) rules.

"The amendments to the rules address the findings of an arbitration tribunal following a legal challenge by Manchester City to the APT system earlier this year. The purpose of the APT rules is to ensure clubs are not able to benefit from commercial deals or reductions in costs that are not at fair market value by virtue of relationships with associated parties."

In response to the changes, Guardiola was staunch in his defence of his club. Speaking in a press conference, he said: "I read something about how we need to be relegated immediately. 75% of the clubs want it, because I know what they do behind the scenes and this sort of stuff.

"I prefer not to be in that position but once it's there I love it — because you believe in your club and the people there. I believe what they say to me (about the alleged breaches) and the reasons why. We're awaiting the sentence in February or March."

He added: "What happens if we are relegated? I will be here. I don't know the position they are going to bring us. The Conference? But we will come up and come up and come back to the Premier League. I feel it."

Outside of legal proceedings and Premier League administration, City resume their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Tottenham on Saturday, to whom they lost less than a month ago in the Carabao Cup. Looking for revenge on their home turf, and with Liverpool to chase at the top of the league, City will be hungry for a big win.