🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Hone In On Haaland Arne Slot has called for an encore of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland on Sunday. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in contention for the major trophies. Perfect Remedy for Recent Woes The Champions League victory over the Spanish side's La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also perfect preparation for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: a rival that wants to play out, that will not sit in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “It will be similar a little bit,” said Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a very in-form team like today and a striker, like today, who was in form. 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 – and Aston Villa last weekend – aligned with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. More recovery time, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. This supported his earlier points and decision to prioritize less the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace. The return of last season’s midfield core of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch boosted the defense to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four. The German playmaker impressed again 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. The Hungary captain is flourishing currently and has established himself as a key figure in Slot’s side. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “He is very important. The energy he brings on the pitch 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 found the net at the Etihad previously as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. That win in February took Liverpool 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to stage a recovery.