🔗 Share this article

Liverpool's manager requested another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell 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 obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad 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 left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again 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 centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

The midfielder started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.