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Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead 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.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, 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 decision to prioritize less 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 boosted the defense 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 No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.