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Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet in a row, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night 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 driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy 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 in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.