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Liverpool's manager requested another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders travel to Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

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 prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“It will be similar a little bit,” 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 precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

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 games. More recovery time, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s engine in the centre. His national team skipper is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games 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 stage a recovery.