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Liverpool's manager requested another performance like Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the biggest prizes.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of his tenure. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be spot-on 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 matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and choice 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a defence.
• The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the No 10 role he usually plays in the Premier League.

Dominant Display

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.