Erling Haaland has expressed confidence that Manchester City supporters will enjoy the trip to Anfield as the Premier League leaders gear up for a high-stakes showdown against Liverpool on Sunday, 12 October 2026. The Norwegian striker, speaking in an interview shared by JioStar, urged his teammates to stay united and positive ahead of what is arguably the fixture of the English football calendar.

Haaland's Message to City Fans

'I am pretty sure that the Manchester City fans are going to have a good time when we visit Anfield,' Haaland said. The striker's bullish outlook reflects City's form heading into the international break — five wins from five Premier League outings, enough to place them at the top of the standings. Yet Anfield remains one of the toughest venues in world football, and the fixture carries additional weight given the clubs' sustained rivalry for domestic supremacy over the past decade.

Recalling the Guardiola-Klopp Era

Haaland was candid about the special significance of facing Liverpool, tracing his awareness of the rivalry to his formative years as a player. 'It's always special to play against Liverpool, especially with Pep and Klopp going head-to-head over the years. I remember sitting in Salzburg and Dortmund watching Liverpool vs Man City games and how much Pep and Klopp pushed each other,' he said. The Pep Guardiola–Jurgen Klopp duels defined an era of English football, and while Klopp has since departed Anfield, the fixture retains its intensity under new management. Haaland added: 'It's always special to play games at Anfield. I've won there, I drew there, and I lost, so it's always special. Every Premier League game is different, and every game against Liverpool is always special.'

A Personal Tie to England

Beyond football, Haaland outlined a deep personal connection to the United Kingdom. His mother lived in England for ten years, residing in both Nottingham and Leeds, while his father — former City midfielder Alfie Haaland — trained daily at Carrington during his own playing days at the club. 'I spent my first four years here, and my brother was nine and my sister was six. So, it's a special place for us. And I care a lot about Manchester City… I care a lot about the fans because I'm a fan myself, and I feel with them as well,' Haaland said.

Financial Regulations Cloud the Season

The build-up to the Liverpool clash arrives against the backdrop of Manchester City's ongoing financial regulations case. The club has denied any wrongdoing and is currently contesting an independent commission's findings over alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. An appeal remains unresolved, and potential sanctions continue to loom as a significant uncertainty for the club. Haaland's call for unity — 'we have to stick together as a team… no matter what happens in life, we always have to have a smile' — takes on added resonance given the off-pitch pressures the squad is navigating.

The Team-First Message

Haaland was unequivocal about the mindset required heading into one of the Premier League's most ferocious derbies. 'Stick together, enjoy the ride, and smile. We have to stay positive, look ahead, and try to win football games and try to enjoy the situation and the game,' he said. City's perfect start to the season underlines their title credentials, but this Sunday's trip to Anfield will be the clearest test yet of whether the squad can maintain momentum amid the pressure of both the legal proceedings and the rivalry's high stakes. The outcome could have significant early implications for the title race.