Enzo Maresca and Haaland urge unity as Man City go to Liverpool

Manchester City head to Liverpool this Sunday for their first game since a guilty verdict over serious breaches of Premier League financial rules. Enzo Maresca said he is “very calm” and told the club’s official website: “The players don’t care about the noise” around the club, focusing only on football.

City met again on Thursday after the international break, when news of the case broke. The club insists it did nothing wrong and has launched an appeal, but the punishment could be significant if the ruling stands.

Maresca said the mood among the players is “fantastic” because they are excited for the next two matches, with their main focus on beating Liverpool at Anfield. Erling Haaland echoed that message, calling for everyone connected to City to stay united: “We have to stick together… stay positive.” Guardiola is also expected to attend City’s next home game, after writing to supporters that “we will get through this together.”