🔗 Share this article Following Stifling Mbappé and Vinícius, Resurgent Liverpool Target Haaland Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of the team's showing against Real Madrid when the title holders face Manchester City on Sunday. For Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Stopping another of the world's best attackers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, would reinforce Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies. Perfect Remedy for Poor Form The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga leaders, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and poses an obvious, rampant threat. “It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “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 spot-on and I think we showed we were good as a team defensively.” Key Factors Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid – and Aston Villa last weekend – were consistent with his analysis of why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven games. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. This supported his previous arguments 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense. The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, restored calmness and leadership to a back four. Florian Wirtz impressed again in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League. Dominant Display Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the midfield. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team. “Dom is consistently reliable,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings on the pitch is remarkable, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is learning with every outing.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season 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. On Sunday they will be playing catch-up but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to mount a comeback.