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Liverpool's manager has called for another performance like the team's showing against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet in a row, would reinforce the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Poor Form

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, 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 perfect preparation for the challenge ahead 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,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing 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 – were consistent with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. They backed up his earlier points and choice to prioritize less 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 overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and authority to a back four.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has cemented his place as a leader in Slot’s side.

“What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is developing each and every game.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a alternative formation. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead 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 plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.