Emile Heskey has told Liverpool's players to block out the noise and focus on claiming a statement victory against Manchester City this afternoon. City return to action for the first time today since an independent commission concluded they had "clearly intended to circumvent Premier League rules" by inflating revenue and hiding costs through a series of "sham" commercial deals over a nine-season period.
City's appeal and fan reaction
The Etihad club have already appealed against the verdict and claimed in a statement that the commission's ruling contained "clear material errors, of law, principle and fact and is unsafe". But as a verdict on City's appeal awaits, there are sections of the Liverpool fanbase and former players and staff that feel aggrieved after the Anfield club twice finished runners-up to City during the time in which they have been accused of breaking the rules between 2009 and 2018.
Enzo Maresca and his side are sure to receive a hostile welcome to Anfield this afternoon, but former Liverpool forward Heskey has called on his old side to just focus on making a statement.
Heskey's message to the squad
"For Man City, it probably is the worst game they could have (after the Premier League announcement)," he said, via 10bet. "I wouldn't be surprised if there were boos, chants, and all sorts.
"Look, this is one way of getting under a player's skin, and the fans will use and do anything to help Liverpool take the initiative or to get an advantage.
"I think any win over City makes a statement. It's been a tough time for him (Andoni Iraola) trying to get a settled squad with injuries, and then there are players that you're linked with in the transfer market; targets that the club can't or won't secure.
"All of a sudden, a manager may think 'is it what you really thought it was?' Did Liverpool give him what he needs to really challenge for a title?
"I think he's probably a couple of players short, but this is Liverpool, there is no room for sentiment or excuses. You have to win.
"All managers have teething problems, and I expect that now, after the first international break, Iraola will have more of a handle on the club and his players."
Proportionate punishment debate
Reds icon Jamie Carragher believes City's owners must sell up and there can be no future for any executives implicated in the scandal, from majority owner Sheikh Mansour downwards, but Heskey believes a substantial fine or a major points deduction would be a more proportionate outcome.
"I've seen the transformation around Manchester City's facilities firsthand - from the old training ground to the new campus when my sons were starting out," the former England international said.
"The wider community and infrastructure investment has been immense. It hasn't all been negative under this ownership. A substantial fine or a major points deduction would be a more proportionate outcome."
