Haaland urges City to stick together after Premier League ruling

Erling Haaland has urged Manchester City to stand together after the Premier League found the club guilty of 114 breaches of its financial rules. The striker spoke for the first time since the decision in an interview with Sky Sports, ahead of Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.

“We have to stick together, be there for each other and stay positive,” he said. Haaland also called for a positive outlook: “No matter what happens in life, you always have to keep a smile. So we have to be positive, look ahead, try to win games and then try to enjoy the moment.”

The Anfield fixture will be City’s first match since the independent commission’s ruling announced the club’s culpability. A very hostile reception from Liverpool supporters is expected; the club is among those most affected by the case.

The outcome of City’s appeal will shape what happens next. The club faces possible sanctions ranging from a fine to points deductions, relegation or, ultimately, exclusion. Haaland’s future, along with that of other prominent players in the team, also depends on the resolution. He stressed that his attachment to the club and the United Kingdom goes beyond playing football: “This place and the UK in general mean a lot to me; the fans mean a lot too, because I’m a fan myself and I empathise with them.”

City arrive at Anfield three points ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table. Haaland summed up the occasion: “It’s always special to play against Liverpool.”