🔗 Share this article After Containing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Focus On Haaland Liverpool's manager has called for a repeat of Liverpool’s display versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior on Tuesday, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping another of the game’s finest strikers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes. Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork 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. “It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against 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.” Key Factors Slot’s list for why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his explanations for the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. 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. This supported his previous arguments and choice 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 welcome reappearance at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and leadership to a back four. Florian Wirtz 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 Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. His national team skipper is excelling currently and has cemented his place as a key figure in Slot’s side. “Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and scored at the Etihad last season as Liverpool surprised City by adopting a alternative formation. That win in February put Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches 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.