Manchester City will enter the fire and they have the players to thrive in the inferno

Manchester City are facing the fury of the football world at the moment. The verdict of the 115-case has sparked an outroar the likes of which hasn’t been seen for some time in football, be it in England or around the globe. However, despite the ongoing case, upcoming appeal and what comes next, Enzo Maresca’s side will return to action next Sunday. City will take on Liverpool at Anfield in their sixth Premier League fixture of the season. The Manchester City players and staff will be the target for many when they play at Anfield. Looking at City’s squad, although it is still a squad learning together, it does have the players capable of playing through the inferno that surrounds their club.

Gary Neville has painted a picture of what awaits Enzo Maresca’s side at Anfield next Sunday.

There is no doubt that Manchester City will be on the end of a furious reaction at Anfield next Sunday. The match between Liverpool and City will be the first time that Enzo Maresca’s side will be on the pitch since the 115 storm erupted. Given the rivalry between the two clubs, Anfield will be hostile. Speaking on The Overlap, Gary Neville has painted a picture of what awaits Enzo Maresca’s side.

Speaking on what is in store for City at Anfield, Gary Neville said: “If Manchester City want an understanding how angry the world of football is, then Anfield will tell them next week. In a way you would never believe.”

“There will be banners, there will be chants, it will be a brutal day.”

You only have to look around on social media, or through the media coverage to understand the fury at Manchester City and the 115-case verdict that has arrived. It can only be hoped that the reaction doesn’t go too far. The case remains ongoing and that has been forgotten or perhaps overlooked at times. However looking at what is in store for Enzo Maresca’s side, they have the players to play through the storm.

The Manchester City squad has players capable of embracing what awaits head-on.

This Manchester City side is made up of strong characters who can block out the noise. Players don’t reach the level they have to play for City without being able to overcome the noise to be at their best. Pressure to perform is everywhere in football. Although the furore surrounding City is fierce, for the players and Enzo Maresca it is outside noise. They have a job to do on the pitch and that is all they can focus on while the 115 saga takes its next turn. It won’t be easy to put the noise aside, but this City players are made of the right stuff to do do.

Erling Haaland often cops it simply for being Haaland. To be the player that he is requires a strong resolve. Haaland is a leader at Manchester City and it will be to him, Ruben Dias, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Marc Guehi as City’s captaincy group to lead the way. Ruben Dias is a strong leader and has the ability to be a figure of inspiration. There is no doubt the City captain will do exactly that. Donnarumma and Guehi have been through tough scenarios as have many other City players. They will have to call upon that experience to play through the furore.

Enzo Fernandez is another City player who can play through the noise. He’s shown that throughout his career. The Argentinian midfielder is one of the most ‘hated’ players in football. Playing for the most ‘hated’ club and in hostile environments won’t phase him. He’s proven it before. This will all be new for Rayan Cherki, Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi, and many others in the City squad. But they will have to lean on their leaders and experienced teammates to play through what awaits.

Final thoughts.

Manchester City are the villain of the piece in the eyes of many. When domestic football returns next weekend, that will be on full display. There are enough signs to indicate this. All the City players can do is worry about what they can control. That is matters on the pitch. They have the character in their squad to do just that. It won’t be easy for them to do so, such is the uncertainty surrounding the entire affair. But we have seen previous City squads play through the fire. It is now this City side’s opportunity to play through the inferno. They are made of the right stuff to do exactly that.