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Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid as the Premier League champions visit Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Shutting down one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third shutout in a row, would reinforce Slot's declaration 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 wins from 14 matches before their arrival 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 prefers to attack, that will not sit in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat.

“It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We are facing a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was on fire. When that happens you have to be precise and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.”

Reasons for Success

Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, not conceding first, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his earlier points and decision to prioritize less 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 boosted the defense to Liverpool’s defense.
• The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority 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.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has established himself 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 during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing each and every game.”

Next Challenge

Szoboszlai started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.