Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has called for patience regarding the verdict on Manchester City's Premier League financial breaches. His comments come with his sixth-placed side preparing to host the league leaders at Anfield this Sunday.

Iraola addressed the situation publicly on Thursday, stating that the current uncertainty is not beneficial for anyone involved in the competition. He urged all parties to be patient and allow the process, which includes City's appeal against the guilty verdict, to reach its conclusion. Manchester City were found to have committed more than 100 breaches of the league's financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

Focus on the fixture

The Premier League has resumed following the international break, and Liverpool's immediate focus is a formidable challenge. They face a Manchester City side sitting top of the table, six points ahead of the Reds. Liverpool have taken nine points from their opening five matches, a total that includes 11 goals scored and 7 conceded. The fixture is a significant early-season test, with Liverpool aiming to build on a recent run of four wins and a draw from their last five games across all competitions. Their last outing was a 1-0 victory at Bournemouth, secured by a goal from Alexander Isak, who is the club's top scorer this season with four goals.

The team's current standings position highlights the importance of this weekend's match. A victory for Liverpool would close the gap to Manchester City to just three points, while a defeat would see the leaders extend their advantage to nine points.

Wider managerial reaction

Reactions to the City verdict have been gathered from several other Premier League managers ahead of the weekend's action. Colleagues at clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, Everton, and Chelsea have also been asked for their perspectives on the landmark case and its implications for the league. The consensus among those who commented was a desire for a swift and clear resolution to maintain the competition's integrity.

For Liverpool, the football on the pitch remains the priority. The memory of a 4-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium last April provides added motivation. Preparation for the visit of Pep Guardiola's team is now complete, with the squad looking to their recent strong form. The match at Anfield kicks off at 16:30 on Sunday, 11 October.

First reported at Al Jazeera