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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again 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 engine in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.