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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the title holders visit Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit 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 the previous campaign. “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 spot-on and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons played a part. This supported his previous arguments and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio 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 each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership 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.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.