Erling Haaland returned to Manchester City training on Thursday with a message of calm before a defining week: keep together, look forward and keep smiling. The Norwegian striker addressed the club’s players, staff and supporters as City face the prospect of sanctions following financial-rule breaches.
Key takeaways
- Haaland urged Manchester City’s travelling support to stay united ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Liverpool.
- The striker was among the first City players to speak publicly about the uncertainty surrounding the club.
- Manchester City have opened the league season with five wins from five matches and sit first in the table.
- Enzo Maresca’s side visit Anfield before hosting Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday at 21:00.
Haaland calls for unity
Back from international duty, Haaland used his return to training to offer reassurance to supporters preparing for the journey to Liverpool. He said the away fans should enjoy the occasion, while stressing that the club must remain connected through the off-field turmoil.
“I think they will have a good time,” Haaland said of the City fans heading to Anfield. “We have to stay together, stand by each other and keep hope. Whatever happens in life, you always have to keep smiling.”
The forward insisted that the squad’s focus must remain on football: looking ahead, enjoying the present and winning matches. He added that everyone around the club should continue to show one another support and affection, calling on supporters to enjoy the trip and maintain a positive outlook.
Liverpool first, PSG next
The visit to Liverpool represents City’s first major examination of the new Premier League campaign. Maresca’s team arrive with a perfect record, having won each of their opening five fixtures to take top spot.
There will be little time to recover from the Anfield test. Manchester City return to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday for a Champions League meeting with PSG, scheduled to kick off at 21:00.
