Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed the footballing world wants the club to "disappear" with the hearing into their potential financial breaches now underway.
Following punishments handed out to other clubs for lesser offences than what City have been accused of, the club have been under the magnifying glass of football fans, pundits and economists over the past few years.
After claiming a fourth straight Premier League title last season, the legitimacy of City's honours has come into question, with 115 charges hanging over the club.
Everton and Nottingham Forest were punished last season for breaches of PSR over the past three years, but City's charges date back much further, therefore taking much longer to get through.
Guardiola claims it is Man City versus the world
© Imago
The hearing against Man City began on Monday, and a decision is not expected for a few months at least, but that did not stop the issue being brought up to Guardiola.
Speaking ahead of Man City's top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal this weekend, Guardiola said: "I am sorry to say that I always want to defend my club - especially in these modern days. It's like everyone expects us to not just be relegated - they want us to disappear off the face of the earth."
Reports have stated this week that if City are found guilty, they could be kicked out of all major competitions with immediate effect.
Premier League relegation could be compiled with Champions League expulsion, and a ban from both domestic English cup competitions.
Guardiola stated earlier this month that accusations should not be thrown about until the hearing is complete, and he is pleased the club have the opportunity to clear their name.
"Everybody is innocent until proven guilty," Guardiola revealed.
© Imago
Is Guardiola confident of City's innocence?
The tone used by Guardiola when speaking on the issue can suggest he is confident the club will be found innocent.
Guardiola stated; "I'm happy it's starting on Monday, I know what people are looking forward to, what they expect."
The words used by the City boss seems to suggest that he thinks everyone is looking forward to their downfall, but that may not be how things transpire.
Chasing five league titles in a row, City face their closest challengers Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, in what could give the footballing world an early sign about where the trophy may be heading in May.
