Manchester City

Manchester City announced Thursday manager Pep Guardiola signed a two-year contract extension through the 2022-23 season. 

City chairman Khaldoon Mubarak released a statement about the new deal:

"Pep's contract extension is the natural next step in a journey which has evolved over many years. It is a product of the mutual trust and respect that exists between him and the entire Club. It also goes to the stability and creativity at the heart of our football operations. Importantly it is a validation of the football structure and philosophy that has been built over more than a decade and to which he has contributed so much."

Guardiola, who took over as the Sky Blues manager in 2016, also commented on the extension:

"I have everything I could possibly want to do my job well, and I am humbled by the confidence the owner, chairman, Ferran [Soriano] and Txiki [Begiristain] have shown in me to continue for two more years after this season. The challenge for us is to continue improving and evolving, and I am very excited and about helping Manchester City do that."

Guardiola has guided City to eight trophies during his four-plus seasons in charge. The club has won the Premier League twice to go along with three League Cup titles, a pair of Community Shield triumphs and one FA Cup.

The Citizens are off to a sluggish start to the current Premier League term, sitting in 10th place with a 3-3-1 record. They're still listed as the favorite to capture the title by FiveThirtyEight, which gives them a 46 percent chance to win the league.

Their form has been better in the UEFA Champions League, where they've opened with three straight wins over Porto, Marseille and Olympiacos. It's been the most elusive trophy for City during Guardiola's tenure, but they're already a virtual lock to reach the knockout stages once again.

The 49-year-old Spanish manager previously won two UCL titles during his time at Barcelona (2008-12) and also coached Bayern Munich (2013-16) before arriving to Etihad Stadium.

His contract extension will make his stint with City the longest of his managerial career.

Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi could be reunited at Manchester City, but it won't come cheap. 

According to Sport (h/t Marca), the Premier League giants are preparing a five-year, €750 million deal. The reported details are as follows:

"The report says this contract will be split into two periods—three years with City in the Premier League and two years with sister club New York City in MLS. Messi would earn 100 million euros a season before tax at City, with a total contract worth of 750 million euros over five years. The rest of the sum will be the 250 million euro signing bonus to join New York."

What remains in question is what transfer fee, if any, Barcelona will be able to obtain for Messi. The player has a €700 million release clause, though Messi has a stipulation in his contract that he could leave on a free transfer if he announced his intention to do so before May 31. 

Messi sent a burofax to announce his departure intentions after that date but argued he did so before the season ended, given that the campaign went on hiatus and resumed in the summer because of the COVID-19 pandemic. His argument, in essence, is that the May 31 date became irrelevant once the season stretched well into the summer, since the date represented the original end of the season.  

Messi leaving on a free transfer would be devastating to Barca on a number of levels, while having a €700 million release clause would offer them far more leverage to keep him. La Liga ruled Sunday on behalf of Barcelona:

Official statement by La Liga. They side with Barcelona in Leo Messi contract battle: “Current deal is still valid and paying release clause for €700m is the only way out”. 🛑

Manchester City are still waiting for Barça decision. 🔵 #MCFC pic.twitter.com/p15IWcBRMg

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2020

It's unclear if a legal dispute will follow, though Messi seems prepared to depart regardless:

Messi also after La Liga statement is not going to chance his mind. He wants to leave and to start a new chapter. Barcelona told him again they won’t let Leo go for free to Manchester City - and La Liga position is part of their strategy. The saga is on. 🚨🇦🇷 #Messi #FCB #MCFC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2020

Leo Messi didn't show up for the PCR test at Barcelona training this morning as he believes he is no longer a player of the club, according to @marcelobechler pic.twitter.com/b3tRCxP5JC

— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 30, 2020

That could force the Catalan giants to sell for less than the €700 million release clause, hoping to bring back a financial windfall without a long, ugly and protracted contract dispute with the best player in history and one of the most popular sporting figures on the planet. Such a standoff would not cast Barca in the best of lights, especially with other superstar players. An unhappy legend is bad for business and certainly bad for club morale. 

And City reportedly are set to offer Barcelona a lucrative transfer fee to sign Messi, even if it falls well short of his release clause:

Barcelona believe Messi will sign for Manchester City and are now willing to accept a transfer fee of €280m, reports the Mirror 👀 pic.twitter.com/o8O3kEgtPn

— GOAL (@goal) August 30, 2020

So the drama is in full swing, with Manchester City the favorites to land the Argentine superstar if he's allowed to leave Barcelona. Paris Saint-Germain are also in the running, per ESPN, with Messi's former teammate Neymar reportedly recruiting him to the Champions League runners-up. 

And there remains the possibility that Messi could be forced into staying, though that may require club president Josep Maria Bartomeu resigning and a whole lot of damage control. More than likely, Messi's time in Barcelona is over. If so, all that remains to determine is how much the club will receive for his departure. 

It's the biggest story in football for some time. Lionel Messi has requested to leave Barcelona, threatening to put an end to a relationship that, in truth, most could never picture ending.

According to Esporte Interativo's Marcelo Bechler, who broke the news of Messi's desire to end an era at the Camp Nou (and broke the Neymar-to-PSG deal back in 2017), the Argentina captain wants to play for Manchester City, where he would link back up with former coach Pep Guardiola.

The two achieved some wondrous things together between 2009 and 2011—namely, two Champions League trophies in three years, playing some spell-binding football. Messi has only won the trophy once since, in 2015, while Guardiola hasn't reached the final since last winning it. The sense that they need one another to be victorious once more is strong.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onUokoQA1Wk

If Messi does break free of his Barcelona contract, City won't be his only suitors. But the reality of who can afford to sign him has already thinned the pack out. It really does feel like City or stay already, and Messi's father has flown to Manchester to discuss terms, per RAC1 and TyC Sports (h/t Daily Mail).

So with that in mind, let's take a look at how Messi would change Guardiola's starting XI, shape and approach in a variety of ways, showcasing the obvious pros—and the surprising cons—of each one.

As we move through the options, we will be reviewing them in the context of football at the top level. We know City would crush average sides with Messi in the team, so we're interested to know how each approach would work against a Bayern Munich, a Liverpool or a Paris Saint-Germain. What fresh edge could he give them, and are they any drawbacks?

                    

The Obvious: 4-3-3, Right Wing

Obvious pro: Messi cutting inside on his left foot.

The 4-3-3 is both Guardiola's core formation and the one Messi has played in more often than any other. That's down to their Barcelona breeding—the club is obsessed with that particular shape—so it's an immediate snug fit for each party.

Messi has the most dangerous left foot on the planet, so putting him in a position to cut inside on to it and shoot, dribble or create would be the obvious way to deploy him. A predictable move, sure, but when you are as good as he is, you can't stop him even if you know exactly what he's going to do.

           

Surprising con: Unless someone else does his running, the right side is a defensive weak point.

Here's an uncomfortable truth about Messi right now: He doesn't do much running, and that causes a slight tactical headache at the top level.

He's a genius, the best player in the world, so there's a strong argument that he shouldn't have to run. He once spent 83.1 per cent of a Clasico walking, per Marca, and bossed it regardless.

But consider the approach the last two Champions League-winning teams, Liverpool and Bayern, take as a team: They press, they are machine-like, they are filled with players who are elite footballers but also elite athletes. City, the destination for Messi under discussion, operate in the same fashion.

Player	Miles per 90
Thomas Muller	7.2
Roberto Firmino	7
Robert Lewandowski	6.4
Sadio Mane	6.4
Serge Gnabry	6.4
Mohamed Salah	6.1
Lionel Messi	4.8

The disparity between the sort of distance Messi covers per game and the distance said clubs' front threes cover is dramatic. Again, he's 33 and his skill may outweight this, but from a pure stylistic standpoint, he makes whichever part of the pitch he plays in defensively weak.

City would need to patch over that by deploying players to do his running for him. Kyle Walker is a perfect candidate from right-back, while the right-sided central midfielder and defensive midfielder will spend a lot of time drifting to cover the flank. You will always be vulnerable to an Alphonso Davies-Nelson Semedo-type situation, though, as cracks will always spring up.

                 

The Valverde: 4-2-3-1, No. 10

Obvious pro: Unlock Messi's genius from the centre while masking his defensive weakness.

So...that Ernesto Valverde character. He actually did a pretty good job, didn't he?

The 56-year-old was fired from his position as Barcelona manager in January, in part because his style of play was deemed beneath the club. They wanted swashbuckling, high-energy, tiki-taka magic—not the defensively solid, slightly more physical approach he brought.

But the last seven months have been disastrous, painting Valverde's approach in a new, more positive light. He wasn't anti-football; he just recognised the squad's limitations and built a system that both masked them and got the best out of Messi.

Messi wrought consistent attacking havoc from a more central position, a free No. 10 role, while contributing almost nothing defensively. But backed by two more aggressive midfielders—one of which was usually Paulinho, Ivan Rakitic or Arturo Vidal, and the other Sergio Busquets—the midfield held together en route to multiple trophies.

For City to utilise Messi as a No. 10, where he could dictate the game, rack up the touches, link with Sergio Aguero and pretty much just destroy teams from in the hole, they would have to switch shape to 4-2-3-1. We've seen them play it as recently as June. But on a permanent basis? That's a different story, with one severe knock-on effect.

               

Surprising con: Kevin De Bruyne on the right?

When City do operate in the 4-2-3-1 shape, that No. 10 spot is De Bruyne's. If Messi joins and this is the way they choose to accommodate him, it would place a major question mark over how the Belgium international slotted in alongside him.

Against weaker sides, he could drop deeper and play in the midfield pivot with an anchor man (Rodrigo or Fernandinho). But against the top sides that's probably not a formula that can work. You want two defensively conscious and physical players in that instance, like the Rodrigo-Ilkay Gundogan partnership Guardiola used in August.

More than likely, Messi as the No. 10 ends up pushing De Bruyne to the right flank. That would allow him to take up those same positions just outside the opponent's box, slightly to the right, and fizz low crosses in for Raheem Sterling at the back post. But it would rob the side of his powerful dribbling through the middle and some raw speed on the flank.

On balance, it's a trade-off that barely feels worth it. Messi might be the best in the world, but De Bruyne is arguably among the top five; the net gain of fitting in the Argentinian at KDB's expense may be minimal.

                 

The Romantic: 4-3-3, False 9

Obvious pro: Peak Barcelona, here we come.

The 2009 and 2011 Barcelona sides played some of the best football the world has ever seen—and is ever likely to see. And they had two things in common: Both had Guardiola at the helm, and both were spearheaded by Messi as a false nine.

The false nine is a specific tactical role that utilises a withdrawn lone forward, one who continually drops deep towards midfield to pick up the ball rather than work the channels, run in behind or battle with centre-backs.

To play this role, you have to be incredibly good: your touch needs to be perfect, your link-up play spot on, your tactical awareness through the roof. And you have to hold up your end of the finishing bargain too. A complete all-rounder.

It's the job of those around the false nine to drive forward so he can pick them out with through balls, essentially running into the gaps the false nine creates by drifting and dragging defenders out of position.

In 2009, Messi had Thierry Henry (left) and Samuel Eto'o (right) as fellow forwards. That's two No. 9s cutting in off the flank rather than operating centrally, as Messi created space for them to move into. The goal tallies were astronomical.

In 2011, he had David Villa (left) and Pedro (right). Again, goals rained down as all three combined to ludicrous effect.

This system is repeatable in Manchester. Guardiola knows how to coach it, Messi unlocks it, the midfield three is retained, De Bruyne's role stays the same and there's enough speed on the wing to make it work. 

It would also serve as a workaround for the previously discussed defensive issue. 

Back in 2009 and 2011, a fitter, more physically robust Messi led a strong press from the central position. He wouldn't be able to do that in 2020, at age 33. But as the centre point of the front line, he could be instructed to block passing lanes into the midfield rather than chase and harry and sprint.

That, combined with an energetic midfield three behind him, would be enough to make this system work even against the best.

           

Surprising con: What about Aguero?

Sergio Aguero has undergone several transformations as a player since Guardiola arrived in Manchester in 2016, rising to each challenge.

He's got fitter when asked to, defended from the front more effectively and improved his link-up play with midfielders tenfold. He's not a complete forward, but his skill set is far more diverse than it was before Guardiola took charge.

So with that in mind, there's a chance Aguero takes to a wide forward role nicely—that it becomes another string to his bow. 

There's also a chance, at 32, that he doesn't adapt so well, that the fact that he lacks the speed and energy of Gabriel Jesus or the agility of Riyad Mahrez means he ends up struggling to crack the starting XI in this alignment.

Aguero's friendship with Messi is an oft-mentioned driving factor in the talk of the latter's potential move to City. It would be somewhat ironic if Messi's arrival saw him nick Aguero's spot and Guardiola remodel the side without him.

            

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All statistics via WhoScored.com. All distance covered statistics via UEFA.com.

Manchester City are reportedly weighing a hybrid contract offer to Barcelona's Lionel Messi that would include three years at the Etihad Stadium followed by a move to MLS' New York City FC. 

ESPN's Rodrigo Faez and Moises Llorens reported Wednesday that City have emerged as the favourites to sign Messi, though details remain unclear as the superstar forward attempts to secure a free transfer based on disputed contract language about what stipulates the end of the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Manchester City own NYCFC, and the move to the United States at the end of the contract, which would likely also mark the final years of the Argentinian superstar's career, would be part of his role as an ambassador for the City Football Group, per ESPN.

Along with the Sky Blues, the 33-year-old six-time Ballon d'Or winner has also been linked to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.

Realistically, there are only a select number of clubs that could afford the lucrative long-term contract Messi will command, and the amount of teams would be further reduced if Barcelona are successful in arguing the free transfer clause doesn't apply and demand a sky-high transfer fee.

Barca also aren't giving up hope that Messi might change his mind about an offseason move, as sporting director Ramon Planes discussed earlier Wednesday, per ESPN.

"As we have said many times, we're still thinking of Messi as a Barca player," Planes said. "Barca have rebuilt themselves many times throughout history and have always bounced back stronger. Our idea is to rebuild around the best player in the world."

The multifaceted offer from Manchester City could be the best of both worlds for Messi. He could spend a few more years at the highest level of European football trying to bring a UEFA Champions League title to City before spending the twilight of his career helping grow the sport in the U.S.

Of course, there would likely be an additional clause that would allow him to remain with the Citizens if he's still among the world's best forwards in three years' time, and the club believes he could still be a major asset in pursuit of trophies at the Etihad since the club owns both sides.

There will probably be several more twists and turns in the story before Messi's future is finalized before the transfer window closes.

While several steps are necessary to make a partnership a reality, Manchester City are performing their due diligence surrounding a possible pursuit of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, according to ESPN's Moises Llorens and Rodrigo Faez.

Llorens and Faez reported City "are crunching the numbers" to determine whether they could realistically sign Messi while staying within UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.

Some wondered whether FFP-related guidelines would actually have any teeth going forward after City successfully appealed their two-year European ban in front of the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

However, the ESPN report referenced that ruling and said "City's finances are under the microscope more than ever" as a result. The club's hierarchy may shy away from spending lavishly on a star such as Messi, lest they face another battle with UEFA.

Barcelona's need for rejuvenation became abundantly clear following their 8-2 defeat to Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

The Athletic's Dermot Corrigan reported earlier this month that Barca would probably consider selling almost anybody on their roster, but finding any takers could prove difficult. The club has the highest wage bill of any sports franchise in the world with an average salary of nearly $12.3 million.

Unless Barcelona can offload some of their most expensive veteran players, the scope of their incoming transfers will be limited.

Selling Messi would alleviate Barca's financial burden, but even that will be tricky. He has a €700 million release clause. Assuming the final number would be lower, a likely nine-figure transfer fee—on top of his wages—for a 33-year-old is a costly pursuit, especially as clubs are seeing significantly less revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Manchester City are one of the few suitors who could feasibly sign Messi. They consistently contend for the Premier League title and have become regulars in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner would presumably enjoy reuniting with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola as well.

Still, it's hard to see how City—or any other club—can make the numbers work to the point where adding Messi is anything more than a pipe dream.

Manchester City enjoyed their best win of the season on Monday when they successfully overturned a two-year ban from European club competitions.

The club was cleared by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) of "disguising equity funds as sponsorship contributions" and additionally had a €30 million fine reduced to €10 million.

Suddenly, there is a clearer picture of how City move forward. After being beaten to the Premier League title by Liverpool this season, we can expect a rebuild at the Etihad Stadium. Pep Guardiola is expected to continue as manager into the final year of his current contract and breathe fresh life into the squad. 

A defensive overhaul is going to be at the centre of City's summer plans, while two extra additions elsewhere are being considered to add a new depth to the team.

Sources insist that their recruitment plan has not particularly changed in light of the CAS announcement. It just means they now have a better chance of landing top targets.

City will be one of Europe's highest spenders, so what should we expect?

BREAKING: Manchester City’s two-year European ban has been lifted, and their fine reduced to €10M, by the Court of Arbitration for Sport pic.twitter.com/5jdT5RDKrr

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 13, 2020

The centre of defence is a priority as City set about repairing their squad, and B/R sources are indicating that two players could be signed in the problem area.

Aymeric Laporte is considered one of the team's most important players, but he needs more reliable options alongside him than the likes of John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi, who could both move on.

Kalidou Koulibaly, 29, is a genuine target, while Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar will be an option if the Napoli man is not attainable.

City do not have good memories of dealing with Napoli after agreeing a deal for Jorginho and then having him snatched away by Chelsea, and there is concern over how negotiations will go this time. However, they have begun to test the water by using intermediaries to check on Koulibaly's mindset and ambition before starting formal talks.  

City want a top-level, proven defender to join and will pay significant sums to land one, but they are also seeking a versatile, and cheaper, option. Nathan Ake of Bournemouth is on the radar, but Villarreal's 23-year-old left-footed centre-back Pau Torres is in their thoughts too. 

If City find a buyer for Benjamin Mendy, they will also attempt to buy a new left-back. There have been rumours of David Alaba signing from Bayern Munich, but sources have told B/R that such a transfer is highly unlikely as the player has little desire to move to the Premier League. 

Further up the pitch, City will also look for signings. Guardiola is pretty content with his midfield, where record signing Rodri has grown into his role. Kevin De Bruyne remains the star of the side, and the CAS announcement ensures he will not be leaving any time soon.

They have been scouting Marten De Roon of Atalanta but may also look into signing Douglas Luiz back from Aston Villa. Reports on him this season have been positive, and Guardiola is believed to be open to the idea of a return.

David Silva is expected to leave, but the door is being left open in case he decides he is open to staying one more year, or if his next move is delayed because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the market. 

The big question—and the most exciting one for City fans—is which type of forward to pursue.

Leroy Sane has departed to join Bayern Munich, and insiders have indicated to B/R that the possibility of taking Kingsley Coman in the opposite direction has been explored.

Such a move is looking unlikely at this moment, but City are also being linked with Ferran Torres of Valencia as a player who can make the switch into English football. His style of play is suited to Guardiola's City, and the club could be helped by the fact that Borussia Dortmund—who have been heavily linked with the player—are currently not in a strong financial position to sign him.

The level of forward who arrives at the Etihad this summer will be dependent on how much budget is available. The club have always been careful about outlay on one player—their transfer fee record is £62.8 million, which is less than Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal's biggest outlays. 

Talks with Gabriel Jesus are expected to ensure he remains with the club, and it is with that in mind that club sources consistently play down the chances of a big-name centre-forward arriving to compete with Sergio Aguero.

Lautaro Martinez has been linked, but his fee would be in the region of £100 million. At this stage, it seems unlikely City will go down that path. Additionally, Inter Milan still believe the player will stick with them for next season.

Kai Havertz is one option City might be more tempted by. He's able to play in a variety of roles and is considered as having the potential to be a future Ballon d'Or winner.

Bayer Leverkusen are willing to let him leave this summer if an offer close to £90 million lands on the table. Chelsea are interested but have not moved forward with talks at this stage.  

However, Erling Haaland is the other name to consider. He will not be available this summer, but there is a trail of thought that waiting a year for him, and continuing with Aguero and Jesus for now, would be the best way forward.

City are certain of their place in Europe for the foreseeable future and, as such, will continue to challenge the elite. Now we must wait to see which pieces fall into place ahead of next season.

-

The mother of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has died in Barcelona after contracting the coronavirus, the club announced Monday.

Dolors Sala Carrio was 82.

"Everyone associated with the club sends their most heartfelt sympathy at this most distressing time to Pep, his family and all their friends," Manchester City said.

Guardiola donated €1 million to the Medical College of Barcelona in March to aid in the country's relief effort.

He also posted a video message instructing City supporters to remain at home to limit the spread of COVID-19:

"WE'LL COME BACK FROM THIS STRONGER..." 💪
⁣#CityzensAtHome is here to bring you regularly updated news, advice and a wide range of fun and educational activities, centred on football, for the whole family to enjoy in your homes.⁣
⁣https://t.co/twd82HAhpP pic.twitter.com/xrOwQzVSua

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 30, 2020

According to CNN, the World Health Organization has confirmed nearly 1.3 million cases of coronavirus across the world amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Spain has the second-highest number of cases (135,032) and deaths (13,055).

Manchester City has launched an investigation into right back Kyle Walker after he allegedly hosted a party with a friend and two sex workers amid the coronavirus pandemic.

ESPN's Rob Dawson reported Walker is facing "disciplinary procedures" based on the actions alleged in a report by Richard Moriarty and Daniel Hammond of The Sun, which noted he invited the group to his home for a "three-hour sex session" one day before his Instagram post about COVID-19 safety measures.

Walker released an extended statement about the situation, per Dawson:

"I want to take this opportunity to issue a public apology for the choices I made last week which have resulted in a story today about my private life in a tabloid newspaper.

"I understand that my position as a professional footballer brings the responsibility of being a role model. As such, I want to apologise to my family, friends, football club, supporters and the public for letting them down.

"There are heroes out there making a vital difference to society at the moment, and I have been keen to help support and highlight their amazing sacrifices and life-saving work over the past week.

"My actions in this matter are in direct contrast to what I should have been doing regarding the lockdown. And I want to re-iterate the message: Stay home, stay safe."

The Sky Blues also released a statement, which read in part: "Manchester City FC are aware of a story in a tabloid newspaper regarding the private life of Kyle Walker in relation to a breach of the UK lockdown and social distancing rules." The club said it will review the allegations in the "coming days."

Fellow Premier League player Jack Grealish of Aston Villa was fined and disciplined by the club after releasing an apology saying he was "deeply embarrassed" after breaching lockdown recommendations and being involved in a traffic accident.

Walker has made 29 appearances for City across all competitions during the 2019-20 season, which is delayed indefinitely because of the coronavirus.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola donated €1 million to the Medical College of Barcelona to aid in the relief effort during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Goal's Sam France.

"The donation campaign promoted by the Medical College of Barcelona and managed through the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation aims to collect medical materials and financial contributions from collegiate doctors and the general population for the purchase of medical equipment and equipment that is currently lacking in health centres in Catalonia," the organization said in a statement.

More than 378,000 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across the world, and doctors have diagnosed at least 35,000 cases in Spain, per CNN.

On March 13, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the government planned to declare a two-week state of emergency to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Sanchez told the country Sunday the state of emergency would last for 15 more days based on how the situation has evolved.

In Madrid, the regional government turned an ice rink into a temporary morgue because of the stress the pandemic has placed on the municipal funeral service.

Many throughout world football have made donations to help combat the coronavirus.

Manchester City and Manchester United combined to pledge £100,000 to the Trussell Trust, a charity that helps local food banks in the United Kingdom.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Jose Mourinho has volunteered to help pack food and goods that get distributed throughout north London.

According to ESPN FC's Adriana Garcia, some La Liga clubs turned down the opportunity to get tested for COVID-19 so that the tests could be used on groups of people more vulnerable to the disease.

Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte has said that the Citizens' UEFA Champions League ban will hurt the club a lot.

Pep Guardiola's side have been banned from Europe's top competition for the next two seasons after breaching financial fair play (FFP) regulations, but City have announced they will appeal the decision.

Laporte told The Times (h/t Goal's Chris Burton) he remains happy at the Etihad Stadium, even though he may be unable to play Champions League football for the next two seasons:

"We are waiting for a final decision. We are going to see what happens next season. Obviously it would hurt us a lot if we aren't in the Champions League next season.

"I am very happy here at Manchester City. I am enjoying my football here. We are doing great things here. In the last two years, we have won eight trophies."

Manchester City have never won the Champions League but are in good shape to qualify for the quarter-finals in 2019-20 after beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

The competition has been suspended because of the current coronavirus pandemic, but there is optimism it can be completed by the end of June, per ESPN's Dale Johnson:

Europa League final June 24
Champions League final June 27
To be completed before contract expiry dates of June 30 https://t.co/vgsMigF05s

— Dale Johnson (@DaleJohnsonESPN) March 17, 2020

Manchester City's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport may also be affected by the pandemic. The club were expecting a hearing in "early summer," but that now looks "unrealistic," according to Reuters (h/t the Observer, via the Guardian).  

The CAS have since announced they will not hear any appeals before May 1, per football writer Tariq Panja:

https://twitter.com/tariqpanja/status/1239692036036530176

If Manchester City's appeal is not heard before August 26, the decision could be suspended, according to AS (h/t Sean Lunt at Sport Witness).