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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered 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

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by adopting 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 the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.