Pep Guardiola has claimed Manchester City’s rivals want to see the club “disappear” over the 115 charges relating to alleged Premier League rule breaches.

City are accused of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League claiming they did not provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position”, focusing on revenue, sponsorships and operating costs.

The eight-time Premier League champions have always vehemently denied wrongdoing but have also been accused of not co-operating with the investigation.

A private hearing expected to last ten weeks will determine whether City are guilty of the alleged breaches, with sanctions theoretically unlimited. At the lower end, a fine could be imposed, but a points deduction or even being thrown out of multiple competitions are possible.

Guardiola has suggested that critics and rivals want as much blood spilled as possible.

“I am sorry to say that I always want to defend my club – especially in these modern days. It’s like everyone doesn’t expect us to be not just relegated, they want us to disappear off the face of the earth,” the boss said ahead of facing Arsenal on Sunday.

“I would say we have had many better days than our opponents – and that’s why we win a lot. It’s not complicated,” he added.

Since the 2008 takeover financed by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City have become one of the richest and most successful clubs in world football.

An FA Cup triumph in 2011 ended a 35-year trophy drought, while their Premier League title the following season was a first national championship since 1968.

Now, City have won the Premier League eight times – including in six of the last seven years – and claimed their maiden Champions League title as part of a historic treble in 2023.

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