Pep Guardiola claims that because of Premier League charges, rivals want Man City to "disappear."

• Man City face ongoing hearing over 115 charges of Premier League rule breaches
• Punishments could range up to expulsion from competitions if found guilty
• Pep Guardiola has defended his club in latest comments on he long-running saga

According to Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's opponents want the team to "disappear" due to the 115 charges stemming from alleged violations of Premier League rules.

City are accused of breaking financial rules between 2009 and 2018, with the Premier League claiming they did not provide "accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club's financial position", focusing on revenue, sponsorships and operating costs.

The eight-time Premier League winners have consistently denied any wrongdoing, but they have also been charged with obstruction during the probe.

A private hearing expected to last ten weeks will determine whether City are guilty of the alleged breaches, with sanctions theoretically unlimited. At the lower end, a fine could be imposed, but a points deduction or even being thrown out of multiple competitions are possible.

Guardiola has suggested that critics and rivals want as much blood spilled as possible.

"I am sorry to say that I always want to defend my club - especially in these modern days. It's like everyone doesn't expect us to be not just relegated, they want us to disappear off the face of the earth," the boss said ahead of facing Arsenal on Sunday.

"I would say we have had many better days than our opponents - and that's why we win a lot. It's not complicated," he added.

Ever since Sheikh Mansour of Abu Dhabi funded the takeover in 2008, Manchester City has grown to be among the wealthiest and most successful teams in the world of football.

An FA Cup triumph in 2011 ended a 35-year trophy drought, while their Premier League title the following season was a first national championship since 1968.

Currently, City has won eight Premier League titles, including six in the last seven years, and as part of a historic treble in 2023, they secured their first Champions League title.