Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has called for his teammates to maintain solidarity following an independent commission’s ruling that found the club guilty of more than 100 charges related to financial breaches. The league leaders are set to face Liverpool on Sunday in their first competitive match since the verdict was delivered.
The commission determined that City committed serious violations of Premier League financial rules spanning nine years, alongside charges concerning their failure to cooperate with the investigation. The club has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has filed an appeal against the decision. If the ruling is upheld, City could face severe penalties, including relegation, point deductions, and substantial fines.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Haaland emphasized the need for a positive mindset. “We have to stick together, we have to stay positive. We have to look ahead and try to win football games,” he said. “No matter what happens in life we always have to have a smile. We have to enjoy the situation and spread the love to each other.”
Manchester City currently sit at the top of the Premier League table, three points clear of last season’s champions Arsenal after winning all five of their matches this term. Liverpool, who are sixth and six points behind, are managed by Andoni Iraola and remain undefeated despite a mixed start to the season.
The upcoming fixture at Anfield is expected to be particularly hostile. During the period City are under investigation (2009-2018), Liverpool finished second just two points behind them. Additionally, under former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, the Reds finished only one point behind City in subsequent years. Rival fans have alleged that City’s financial breaches provided an unfair advantage, leading to expectations of a vociferous reception from the home support.
Despite the tension, Haaland described the encounter as special, recalling how he watched previous clashes between Pep Guardiola and Klopp while playing for Molde, Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund. “It is always special to play a game there. Every game against Liverpool is special,” he noted.
At 26, the Norwegian international has been linked with a potential exit from the club should relegation occur. However, he reaffirmed his connection to the team and its supporters. Born in England and the son of former City player Alf-Inge Haaland, he stated: “I care a lot about this place. I spent my first four years here. It is a special place for us. I care a lot about City and the fans, I am a fan myself and I feel with them.”
Does anyone actually believe the appeal will succeed? The commission’s findings seemed pretty damning.
What an extraordinary situation to be in. Staying united sounds great, but the stakes are incredibly high right now.
I still think Liverpool fans have every right to be angry. It feels deeply unfair after those nine years.
Haaland’s positivity is refreshing, but can the team handle the pressure if relegation actually happens?