Kieran Maguire issues ‘very sensitive’ Man City verdict after ‘damaging’ news
Man City are wary of how they are portrayed in the media because their brand image is central to their commercial success.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about City’s response to Jim Beglin’s remarks during City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea on 15 January.
The ex-Liverpool star referred to the Etihad Stadium as the “Emptyhad” in co-commentary for the Premier League’s in-house media team.
The Daily Mail reported last Monday (17 January) that City complained to the Premier League while the match was still ongoing.
Beglin argued that it had been a slip of the tongue and the had not meant to cause offence.
City raked in £271.7m from commercial streams in 2020-21, with the Etihad naming rights deal one of the biggest earners.
Maguire insists that it is no surprise to see City chase down seemingly innocuous comments from pundits in order to protect their brand.
“City are looking to continue their relationship with existing and new commercial partners,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“Anything that is damaging to that doesn’t work for the club. Big clubs are very sensitive.
“They spend a lot of money building the brand so they may not be the most receptive to criticism, especially from an ex-Liverpool player.
“There is always jostling for places given that Liverpool and City have been the dominant two in English football in recent years.”
City followed up their 1-0 win over Chelsea with a 1-1 draw against Southampton last Saturday (22 January).
Pep Guardiola’s side are nine points clear atop the league table.
In other news, Doctor Dan Plumley claims “Uefa holds the key” after £115m Man City document reveal.