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Liverpool's manager has called for another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses 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 spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, 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 sacrifice 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 each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has established himself as a leader in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February put Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.