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Liverpool's manager demanded a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, 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 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 carries an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team 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.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list 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 defeats 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 played a part. This supported his previous arguments and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return 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 authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.