Pep Guardiola hits back at claims against Manchester City, says they're innocent until proven otherwise

Pep Guardiola has hit back at critics of Manchester City, following the charges that were brought against them, claiming other clubs should 'be careful.'

City found themselves in arguably the biggest scandal in Premier League history when they were charged earlier this week of over 100 breaches of financial rules.

The reigning champions understandably want to clear their names of any wrongdoing, and it could take as long as four years for any punishment to come, if they're found guilty.

According to reports, the other Premier League clubs, especially other members of the top six, want to see some severe punishments be handed out.

Some thought Guardiola might leave should the club be punished, based on his previous comments, but he has since told his players he'll be there even if the club are sent down to League Two.

Now, speaking ahead of his side's game with Aston Villa at the weekend, the City boss has been in bullish mood in his press conference, hitting out at other clubs and claiming his side are being treated unfairly.

"My first thought is we're already being condemned. It's the same with UEFA, we were already condemned. The club proved we were completely innocent. You know on what side I am," the Spaniard said, hinting at previous charges by UEFA.

"We are lucky we live in a country where everyone is innocent until proven guilty. It seems like we have already been sentenced.

"What is going to happen, I don't know. We think we have good lawyers and I we are going to defend our position. Time will depend what happens. We will see what a judge, the Premier League decides. In the same way with Uefa, we are innocent."

Guardiola clearly isn't happy with the treatment of his club. Image: Alamy

Reiterating both the fact that they were never punished by UEFA and that they remain innocent, until proven otherwise, the former Barcelona boss added, "In this country, everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

"Uefa's sentence wasn't even that. It is now down to the lawyers of both sides to defend one side and the other one. It will be longer than one month, two months and three months.

"We know what happened with Uefa and we will see that."

The 52-year-old was asked about rival clubs wanting the champions to be kicked out of the league, and Guardiola wasn't sure if that was the case, but thinks fans do.

"It is difficult for me to answer this question. I don't know. They open a precedent right now," he answered.

"Be careful in the future because many clubs make suggestions and we have been accused. I can have an opinion, but what do fans think? I don't know. It is obvious the fans want to push us out of the competition.

"They believe we didn't behave properly."

Some of City's own fans are starting to wake up to the reality of what it could all mean, if they aren't proved innocent, with one fan rep accepting that their past success will be tainted.

The two time Champions League winning manager also reiterated the fact that he plans to stay no matter what any punishment brings, claiming it has only hardened his resolve.