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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, 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 previous arguments and choice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.