🔗 Share this article

Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid as the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third clean sheet consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games 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 perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Key Factors

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, 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 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 defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has cemented his place as a leader in the team.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The work rate he brings during matches is incredible, the skill that he has is outstanding and he is learning each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.