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Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. They backed up his earlier points and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.