Erling Haaland sends defiant message after Man City verdict and makes Liverpool prediction

· Mirror

Manchester City will take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in their first match since the club were found guilty of breaching 114 charges relating to the Premier League's financial rules

Erling Haaland has urged Manchester City to 'stick together' and 'enjoy the situation' as the club fight their guilty verdict. City star Haaland also predicts that their travelling supporters will have a 'good time' in the away end at Anfield on Sunday, as his side return to action for first time since the bombshell ruling.

An independent commission recently found City guilty of breaching 114 of the 115 charges levelled at them by the Premier League in February 2023. They relate to breaking financial rules during a nine-year period between 2009 and 2018.

City strongly deny the charges and have launched an appeal. In the meantime, a siege mentality is forming at the Etihad Stadium - on and off the pitch.

"We have to stick together, stay with each other, stay positive," Haaland told Sky Sports. "No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile, stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games, enjoy the situation.

> "We have to stick together, spread the love to each other, stick together, enjoy the ride, smile... I think they (the City fans) are gonna have a good time."

Haaland's stance echoes that of former manager Pep Guardiola, who threw his support behind his old employers by issuing a strong statement last week. Guardiola will also attend City's game at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"I want every single Man City fan to know I am here; more than ever," Guardiola posted on social media. I am, always have been, always will, be behind my club, my owner, my chairman, Ferran [Soriano] the players, staff, Enzo [Maresca] and you, our unique supporters.

> "Let me be clear: we will get through this together. I love you all."

Current boss Maresca is due to address the guilty verdict when he speaks to the media on Friday ahead of City's trip to Anfield. His side are top of the league table after five games, boasting a 100 per cent record.

But their title hopes are already in jeopardy, as City could be slapped with a huge points deduction as punishment for the breaches. City were - among other charges - found to have inflated revenue and reduced costs by £900million, misstated accounts to conceal the club's true finances and made secret payments to a redacted employee beyond his primary employment contract.

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