🔗 Share this article

Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 matches 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. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “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 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 analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven games. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice to prioritize less 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 backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.