Pep Guardiola claims some people want Man City wiped from the face of the Earth and insists he can be 'pragmatic'

Manchester City face Arsenal in a huge Premier League clash after a week that has seen a hearing into the club's 115 charges for alleged breaches of FFP rules begin. The Premier League champions could face a points deduction or even a competition ban if found guilty, with a verdict expected in early 2025.

Speaking ahead of the match at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola was asked about criticism of his team's performances and went on to speak about the hearing and his belief that people want his team to receive a strong sanction if found guilty.

He told reporters: "During a season, you can say, 'Oh, it was a bad season'. But for performances some people say, 'Oh, it's a disgrace, it is a disaster, it's unacceptable'. No, during 90 minutes it's one bad afternoon when they were better. But I would say – I'm sorry, I want to defend my club, especially in these modern days when everyone is expecting us not to be relegated, to be disappeared off the face of the Earth, the world – that we have better afternoons than the opponents. That's why we win a lot.”

Manchester City will become the first team in English top-flight history to win their opening five league matches in five seasons if they beat Arsenal on Sunday.

Guardiola has previously said his club will accept whatever punishment is handed down if the hearing results in a guilty verdict. Manchester City have always maintained their innocence and have reportedly told players to be calm about the hearing as "not one rule" has been broken.