Maresca has presented the appeal as the only sensible focus for now, resisting suggestions that City’s achievements should be judged before a final outcome.
“Todos confiamos, e provavelmente o momento certo para falar sobre isso será quando vencermos o recurso”, he said.
That message places the emphasis on patience. City’s defence will now be tested away from the legal process, with Liverpool offering one of the most demanding environments in English football.
Maresca did acknowledge that sporting consequences cannot be completely dismissed, although he stressed that the possible outcome is unknown.
“Ganhei a Championship com o Leicester, então, caso acabemos na League One, veremos. Estamos pensando em algo que não sabemos”, he said.
The remark was framed as a hypothetical rather than a prediction. Until the appeal is decided, it would be premature to treat relegation or any other sporting penalty as an established outcome.
For City, the immediate challenge is to ensure the controversy does not dominate the contest. Liverpool will look to exploit any uncertainty, while Maresca’s side must show that its attention remains on performance, control and results.
The match is the first major footballing chapter in a dispute that may last far longer. The next storyline to watch will be whether City can keep competing at the highest level while awaiting the appeal’s final direction.