Erling Haaland urges Manchester City fans to 'stick together' ahead of Anfield clash

Erling Haaland urged Manchester City supporters to "stick together" and remain positive as the club prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, marking his first public comments since City were found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The independent commission’s ruling concluded City had arranged what it described as "sham" contracts with several commercial partners as part of a "disguised funding scheme", saying the arrangements artificially inflated the club's revenues and reduced its costs by more than £900 million; the charges cover almost a decade of the club's financial dealings. City have rejected the findings and lodged an appeal against the commission’s verdict, saying it contained "clear material errors of law, principle and fact". On the field, City sit three points clear at the top of the table ahead of the Anfield meeting.

Addressing supporters in his first public remarks since the verdict, Haaland called for unity and optimism. "We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive," he told Sky Sports. "No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile."

Haaland also spoke about his personal connection to Manchester City and its fans, referencing family ties and his own upbringing in the game. "I care a lot about this place, and the UK generally. I care a lot about the fans because I'm a fan myself, and I feel with them as well," he said, noting his father Alf-Inge Haaland previously played for the club and that he joined City from Borussia Dortmund.

The Norway international urged both the squad and supporters to look forward rather than dwell on the controversy. "We have to stick together; we have to spread the love to each other. So yeah: stick together, and enjoy the ride and smile," he said.

Haaland acknowledged the particular significance of facing Liverpool at Anfield and referenced the rivalry between the clubs under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp. "It's always special to play against Liverpool," Haaland said. "Especially with Pep and Klopp. I remember sitting and watching the games before signing with City, how much they pushed each other."

Haaland has experienced victory, defeat and a draw at Anfield since his arrival in England, and Sunday's fixture presents another important challenge for Enzo Maresca's side as they seek to maintain their position at the top of the Premier League while the club pursues its appeal. The immediate focus for City remains the trip to Anfield on Sunday.