Haaland calls for unity at Manchester City after Premier League ruling

Erling Haaland has urged Manchester City’s players and supporters to remain united and positive after the club was found guilty of financial breaches in the Premier League.

The Norway striker made the comments in an interview with the club’s official media before Manchester City’s visit to Liverpool at Anfield. He did not directly address the ruling by the independent commission, which formally found the club guilty, but spoke about his strong connection with Manchester City and the United Kingdom.

“This place means a lot to me, and the United Kingdom in general,” Haaland said. “My family lived here for 10 years. It is a special place for us.”

“Manchester City means a lot to me, and the fans mean a lot to me too. I am a fan of the club myself and I feel that I belong to them.”

Haaland also called for a united response as the club faces the consequences of the commission’s decision.

“We have to stay together, support each other and be positive,” he said. “Whatever happens in life, we always have to smile, be positive, look ahead, try to win football games and enjoy the moment.”

According to journalist David Ornstein, there are no relegation clauses in Manchester City players’ contracts. The possibility was never considered because the club had always maintained that it was innocent in the case and did not believe such a situation would arise.

Manchester City’s match at Anfield on Sunday will be the team’s first appearance since the club’s guilty verdict was made public in the Premier League investigation. The source article refers to the visitors as the side of manager Enzo Maresca.

Haaland said the trip to Liverpool would carry its usual significance, regardless of the wider circumstances surrounding Manchester City.

“It is always special to play against Liverpool,” he said. “The matches there, at Anfield, are always special. I have won there, drawn there and lost there as well.”

“Every Premier League match is different, and every game against Liverpool is always special. I think the Manchester City fans will enjoy themselves.”

Haaland’s comments were published on 8 October 2026, when Manchester City previewed the Anfield fixture through its official channels. The Norwegian’s message focused on the club’s response on the pitch and the need for its players and supporters to maintain a positive outlook.