Erling Haaland urges Man City fans to stick together ahead of Anfield showdown
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has urged the club’s supporters to ‘stick together’ and remain positive as City prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, his first public comments since the club was found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.
City have appealed against the independent commission’s verdict, which they said contained ‘clear material errors of law, principle and fact’. The ruling comes as Pep Guardiola’s side prepare for a crucial Premier League fixture, with City three points clear at the top of the table.
“We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive,” Haaland told Sky Sports.
“No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile.”
CITY APPEAL VERDICT
The independent commission found that City had arranged what it described as “sham” contracts with several commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme”. It said the arrangements artificially inflated the club’s revenues and reduced its costs by more than £900 million.
The charges covered almost a decade and relate to the club’s financial dealings during that period. City have rejected the findings and are challenging the verdict through an appeal.
Haaland said his connection with City extends beyond his role on the pitch. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland, played for the club, while the striker has developed a strong relationship with the supporters since joining from Borussia Dortmund.
“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.
The Norway international called on the club and its supporters to focus on the future as City attempt to navigate 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.”
HAALAND LOOKS TO ANFIELD
The immediate focus for City is Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool, a fixture that has become one of the Premier League’s biggest rivalries in recent years.
Haaland acknowledged the significance of playing at Anfield, recalling the battles between Guardiola and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp that helped define the title race between the two clubs.
“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 arriving in England. With City leading the Premier League by three points, Sunday’s match offers another major test as Enzo Maresca’s side attempt to maintain their position at the top while the club’s off-field battle continues.
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