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Liverpool's manager demanded another performance like the team's showing versus Real Madrid as the title holders face Manchester City this weekend. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland on Sunday. Stopping one more of the game’s finest strikers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the major trophies.

Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes

The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga leaders, who had 13 victories from 14 games before their arrival at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of his tenure. Additionally, it served as perfect preparation for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess.

“There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a very in-form team 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 solid collectively defensively.”

Reasons for Success

The manager's reasons for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa last weekend – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations were cited. This supported his previous arguments and decision 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 leadership to a defence.
• Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he has occupied in the Premier League.

Szoboszlai’s Influence

Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling currently and has established himself as a key figure in the team.

“Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.”

Looking Ahead

Szoboszlai started up front with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by adopting a alternative formation. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 games to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after defeating Madrid, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.