Man City will put UEFA challenge behind us: Khaldoon al Mubarak

The Club Chairman Khaldoon al Mubarak has been reflecting on an unprecedented season.

Speaking on Manchester City TV, the Chairman discussed the successful outcome of the Club’s appeal against the two-year ban from the UEFA Champions League which was upheld by the Council of Arbitration for Sport earlier this summer.

Khaldoon al Mubarak said, "I was confident that the truth would prevail but what I was most concerned about was the distraction this put upon all of us – the team specifically".

He added, "All I really care about is going back to what we do best which is playing football, running our business, pushing forward and not having any distractions. "That’s the most important thing that I’m happy about now – we can put that distraction behind us."

"We have had many challenges and ups and downs, and the season has been unique in its nature," the Chairman declared.

"There were a number of very important injuries (to key players), then we had to deal with the very challenging UEFA situation. We had management changes and then we’ve had COVID, then the period where we had to stop and come back and restart."

"When I look back are the results satisfying? The answer is of course not as we always look to finish the season with as much success in as many competitions as possible," he said.

The Chairman also spoke of his pride and excitement at the continuing emergence of Phil Foden, a player he recalls first discussing with Brian Marwood back in 2010, as well as the contribution and leadership provided by Premier League Player of the Year Kevin De Bruyne.

Addressing the Club’s summer transfer plans, especially in the wake of the pandemic, Khaldoon al Mubarak confirmed that there are likely to be more signings.