Manchester City striker Erling Haaland says the club must "stick together" after an independent commission found them guilty of more than 100 Premier League financial breaches.
The table-toppers travel to Liverpool on Sunday for their first match since the independent commission concluded the club had committed serious breaches of the Premier League's financial rules over nine years, along with related charges of failing to cooperate with the investigation.
Man City deny all the charges and have appealed the decision. If the ruling stands, the club could face relegation, a points deduction and a fine.
"We're going to have a good time [on Sunday]. We have to stick together, we have to be positive. We have to look forward and try to win," Haaland told Sky Sports in England.
"Whatever happens in life, we have to smile."
"We have to enjoy this situation. We have to spread love to each other, stick together, enjoy the journey and smile."
Haaland welcomes Liverpool test
Man City have won all five of their Premier League games this season and lead last season's champions Arsenal by three points.
Liverpool sit sixth, six points behind Man City, after an unconvincing start under new manager Andoni Iraola. However, the club that shares the record of 20 Premier League titles with Manchester United are still unbeaten.
Liverpool have also been lifted by backing that is expected to be more fervent than usual at their Anfield home.
During the period Man City were under investigation, from 2009 to 2018, Liverpool finished second, two points behind Man City. Under manager Jurgen Klopp, they also finished just one point behind Pep Guardiola's Man City twice in later years.
Rival fans allege that Man City's financial breaches amounted to cheating and gave the club a significant advantage during that period and in the seasons that followed.
Anfield is therefore expected to give the current Man City side a fierce and hostile reception. But Haaland, who played for Molde, Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund before joining Man City, says the fixture is always a big occasion.
"Playing against Liverpool is always special," Haaland continued.
"Especially with Pep and Klopp, I remember sitting at Molde, Salzburg and Dortmund watching the games and seeing how much they pushed each other.
"Playing there is always special. Every game against Liverpool is special."
What next for Haaland and Man City?
Haaland was born in England, while his father, Alf-Inge Haaland, was a Premier League player for Man City and Leeds United.
The 26-year-old Norway striker, along with much of the Man City squad, is seen as a possible departure if the club are relegated.
For now, Haaland has stressed what the club means to him and his family.
"I care a lot about this place. I've had my first four years here. It's a special place for us [his family]," Haaland added.
"I care a lot about Man City and the fans. I'm a fan as well and I feel with them."
