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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to 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, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses 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 were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players 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 defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz 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 engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games 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 mount a comeback.