Erling Haaland is urging Man City fans to stick together ahead of the game at Anfield

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has urged the club’s supporters to “stick together” and stay positive as City prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, his first public comments since the club was founded. found guilty of more than 100 breaches of Premier League financial rules.

The city appealed against the independent commission’s verdict, which they said contained “clear substantive errors of law, principle and fact”. The decision 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 smile.”

APPEAL OF THE CITY

The independent commission found that City entered into what it described as “sham” contracts with several commercial partners as part of a “disguised funding scheme”. It said the measures had artificially inflated the club’s revenue and reduced its costs by more than £900 million.

The charges covered almost a decade and relate to the club’s financial transactions during that period. The city rejected the findings and is appealing the verdict.

Haaland said his connection with City goes 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 fans since joining from Borussia Dortmund.

“I care a lot about this place and about the UK in general. I care a lot about the fans because I’m a fan myself and I feel for them too,” he said.

The Norway international has urged the club and its supporters to focus on the future as City try to navigate the controversy.

“We have to stick together; we have to spread love to each other. So yes: stick together, enjoy the ride and smile.”

HAALAND LOOKS FOR ANFIELD

City’s immediate focus is Sunday’s meeting with Liverpool, a game that has become one of the Premier League’s greatest rivalries in recent years.

Acknowledging the importance of playing at Anfield, Haaland recalled 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 they signed for City, how much pressure they put on each other.

Haaland has experienced a win, a defeat and a draw at Anfield since arriving in England. With City three points clear at the top of the Premier League, Sunday’s game offers another big test as Enzo Maresca’s side look to maintain their position at the top while the club’s battle off the pitch continues.

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