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Liverpool's manager requested an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be spot-on 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 last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing 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. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead 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 plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.