Haaland urges Man City fans to 'stay positive' after 115 charges guilty verdict

Erling Haaland has called on Manchester City supporters to remain united following the Premier League’s verdict that found the club guilty of nearly all of the 115 financial charges brought against them.

City released an interview with the Norwegian striker on Thursday in which Haaland addressed what he described as a tough couple of weeks for the club. “We have to stick together, we have to stay with each other and we have to stay positive no matter what happens in life — we always have to have a smile,” he said. “We have to stay positive, look ahead and try to win football games. We have to stick together and we have to spread the love to each other. Stick together and enjoy the ride and smile.”

The Premier League confirmed the verdict during the international break, with City maintaining their innocence and lodging a formal appeal. No punishment has yet been determined, though fines, points deductions, and expulsion from the top flight have all been cited as potential sanctions.

City’s first match since the verdict lands on Sunday, when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. Haaland said the fixture always carries extra weight, particularly given the rivalry between managers Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. “It’s always special to play against Liverpool especially with Pep and Klopp,” he said. “I remember sitting in Molde, Salzburg and Dortmund and watching the games and how much they pushed each other. I won there, drew there and lost, so it’s always special. Every Premier League game is different and every game against Liverpool has been special.”

Haaland was shielded from media duties during Norway’s Nations League camp. Head coach Ståle Solbakken explained the decision, saying he wanted the striker to focus on football rather than the noise surrounding his club. “As everyone knows, there have been external discussions in the past day, but that has nothing to do with the UEFA Nations League or what we’ll do next,” Solbakken said. “I think Haaland should focus on his task now. His task is to score for Norway, and I think everyone agrees that’s what matters most.”

Solbakken added that the decision to restrict media access was not a permanent arrangement, noting that Haaland would be available to the press at future points during the international window.