Erling Haaland has said he hopes for a hostile reception at Anfield when Manchester City face Liverpool in the Premier League on 11 October.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, the striker discussed the atmosphere ahead of City’s first league match since an independent commission ruled that the club had breached the Premier League’s financial rules.
Erling Haaland Ready For Hostile Anfield Atmosphere
Ahead of City's first game since being found guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League's financial regulations, Haaland alluded to the anticipated feisty reception at Anfield. He told the broadcaster: “I hope it’s like that (hostile) it should be like that when Man City go to Liverpool and Anfield."
Haaland also compared the atmosphere with that at Manchester United, briefly hesitating over the club’s name. Although the remarks have been linked to the commission’s verdict, he does not mention the ruling in the quoted passage.
The Norwegian's comments reflect more on the rivalry and the prospect of playing at Anfield than on the case itself. Haaland also urged City supporters to stick together and enjoy the occasion. Reflecting on the fixture, he said:
“I won there, I drew there, I lost.” He added that every game against Liverpool feels special.
Haaland’s Record at Anfield and Against Liverpool
Haaland’s Premier League record at Anfield has been mixed. His first league goal there came in February 2026, on his fourth visit, when he scored a late penalty in City’s 2-1 win. The victory also completed City’s first league double over Liverpool since the 1936/37 season.
Haaland followed that league win with a hat-trick in City’s 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool on 4 April 2026. Across nine appearances against Liverpool in a City shirt, he has scored seven goals and provided one assist, with five goals coming in his last three matches.
Haaland is available for the trip to Anfield after coming off during Norway’s Nations League defeat to Portugal, as a precaution. City head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed his readiness at the pre-match press conference, saying the striker was “ready for Anfield.”
City’s First League Game Since the Independent Commission Verdict
The match comes after the Premier League announced on 29 September 2026 that an independent commission had found Manchester City guilty of financial rule breaches spanning nine seasons, from 2009/10 to 2017/18.
The commission also upheld three of four charges that the club had failed to co-operate with the league’s investigation.
The sanction has not been decided. The league said it will be set at a separate hearing that will remain private until publication of the outcome is permitted. City lodged an appeal on 1 October, maintaining its innocence.
And they are arguing that the ruling contains material errors of law, principle, and fact.
Premier League rules require the appeal process to conclude within 12 weeks, according to ESPN. However, the case could extend into 2027 if City successfully argues that the newer rules do not apply to proceedings brought in 2023, Sky Sports reports.
Maresca has said his players are focused on what they can control on the pitch rather than “the noise.” City head into the match top of the table with five wins from five. Liverpool sit seventh on nine points, having won twice and drawn three times.
