Erling Haaland confident Manchester City fans will enjoy Anfield visit

Erling Haaland says Manchester City’s supporters will “have a good time” at Anfield when the Premier League leaders face Liverpool on Sunday.

The Norway striker is preparing to lead the attack in what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere, while urging his team-mates to remain united and positive during a demanding period for the club.

“I am pretty sure that the Manchester City fans are going to have a good time when we visit Anfield,” Haaland said in an interview shared by JioStar.

City return to Premier League action after the international break with uncertainty continuing off the pitch because of the club’s financial regulations case.

Manchester City deny wrongdoing and are appealing against the findings of an independent commission, which relate to alleged breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. The possibility of sanctions remains an important issue while the proceedings are unresolved.

Their performances on the pitch have been strong. City won their first five league matches of the season and were top of the table before the international break.

Liverpool will provide a significant test, however, with the meeting at Anfield renewing a rivalry that has produced several closely fought contests during the clubs’ recent battles for domestic honours.

Haaland recalls Guardiola-Klopp rivalry

Haaland said matches between the two sides had interested him long before he joined Manchester City, particularly during the period when Pep Guardiola and former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp regularly competed against one another.

“It’s always special to play against Liverpool, especially with Pep and Klopp going head-to-head over the years. I remember sitting in Salzburg and Dortmund watching Liverpool vs Man City games and how much Pep and Klopp pushed each other,” he said.

The 25-year-old has experienced victory, a draw and defeat at Anfield since moving to the Premier League, but believes every fixture against Liverpool carries a distinct significance.

“It’s always special to play games at Anfield. I’ve won there, I drew there, and I lost, so it’s always special. Every Premier League game is different, and every game against Liverpool is always special,” he added.

Haaland also described his personal connection to Manchester City and the UK. His mother lived in the country for 10 years, while his father trained at City’s Carrington base during his time with the club.

“I care a lot about this place, the UK in general. My mother lived here for ten years. They lived in Nottingham and Leeds, so they never lived in Manchester, but obviously my father trained over at Carrington every day during his Manchester City days,” he said.

“I spent my first four years here, and my brother was nine and my sister was six. So, it’s a special place for us. And I care a lot about Manchester City, I have to say. I care a lot about the fans because I’m a fan myself, and I feel with them as well,” he added.

Haaland said the squad must focus on togetherness ahead of Sunday’s game.

“We have to stick together as a team. We must stay with each other, and we must stay positive. No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile. We have to spread the love to each other,” he said.

“Stick together, enjoy the ride, and smile. We have to stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and the game,” he added.