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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated 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 precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments 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 boosted the defense 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.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.