🔗 Share this article

Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager'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 pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The comeback of last season’s midfield core 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 leadership to a back four.
• 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

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.