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Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure 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 an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.