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Erling Haaland delivered an uplifting message to Manchester City supporters following the Premier League's damning guilty ruling: "We have to stick together. We have to stay with each other, and we have to stay positive."
Over three years, City faced investigation for violating the competition's financial rules. The club was ultimately found guilty on 114 of 115 charges, all stemming from violations committed between the 2009–10 and 2017–18 seasons.
City constructed "sham" contracts and arrangements to artificially inflate revenue and cut costs by £900 million ($1.2 billion). Nevertheless, they continue to deny wrongdoing and have already filed a formal appeal, prolonging the saga and delaying potential penalties that could see the 10-time English champions stripped of titles or face relegation.
The controversy has plunged the club, its players, and supporters into confusion and uncertainty, yet Haaland is doing his best to maintain morale—a challenge made considerably harder with a visit to Anfield on the horizon this weekend.
"No matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile," Haaland continued after urging fans to remain united. "So we have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and win the game."
He then echoed the phrase "stick together" two more times, almost as though he was reassuring himself as much as the supporters, before saying, "We have to spread the love to each other ... and enjoy the ride and smile."
Anfield Beckons for Man City
For the neutral observer, it couldn't be scripted any better: the first opponents City must face since the guilty verdict is Liverpool—and the showdown takes place at Anfield.
As if the match needed any additional weight, the Reds are among three clubs that could retrospectively claim the Premier League title should City be stripped of theirs. Liverpool finished as runners-up in 2013–14, 2018–19, and 2021–22.
"It's always special to play against Liverpool, especially with Pep [Guardiola] and [Jürgen] Klopp," Haaland said. "I remember sitting in Salzburg and Dortmund and watching the games, how much they pushed each other. It's always special games there.
"I won there, I drew there, I lost. So it's always special, and every Premier League game is different, and every game against Liverpool is always special."
City got the better of Liverpool in both Premier League meetings last season, winning by a combined score of 5–1. The Cityzens also thrashed Arne Slot's side 4–0 in the FA Cup quarterfinals.
This time around, Andoni Iraola occupies the dugout at Anfield, seeking his first marquee result since taking charge of Liverpool. Claiming any points from the fixture would be considered a triumph, given that City remain the only unbeaten side in the league.
Haaland's Future Is Set ... for Now
With what could be a drawn-out appeals process now underway, Haaland and his teammates are channeling their energy into the current campaign. After falling to Arsenal in the Community Shield, City have reeled off seven consecutive wins across all competitions under Enzo Maresca's guidance.
As ever, Haaland has been central to the club's form. The Norwegian international already has seven goals in as many outings in 2026–27, and added three more to his total during the international break.
Losing Haaland could prove a harsher blow than some of the sanctions hanging over City. The No. 9 is indispensable to the team's fortunes, as demonstrated by the massive nine-and-a-half-year contract extension he put pen to in January 2025.
However, should the club's appeal fail and the guilty verdict stand, Haaland may be left with little option but to depart the Etihad Stadium, particularly if City face relegation. Real Madrid and Barcelona's pursuit of the 26-year-old is well-established, and clubs across Europe would eagerly queue up to land the finest striker in the game.
It's difficult for City supporters to heed Haaland's call to "stay positive" when the entire scandal could ultimately result in him—and other stars in sky blue—heading for the exit. The consolation is that such an outcome likely remains a long way off.