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Liverpool's manager demanded an encore of Liverpool’s display versus 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. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, and keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the biggest prizes.

Ideal Cure for Recent Woes

Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, 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 a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” stated 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Key Factors

Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles 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 sacrifice the Carabao Cup by fielding a weakened squad against Crystal Palace.

• The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline.
• The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and authority to a defence.
• The German playmaker impressed again in the Champions League but not in the No 10 role he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a leader in the team.

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

Next Challenge

The midfielder started up front with Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day put Liverpool well ahead at the top with 11 matches 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.