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Liverpool's manager requested an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down another of the game’s finest strikers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, 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 decision to sacrifice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net 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 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.