🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Target Haaland Liverpool's manager has called for an encore of the team's showing versus Real Madrid when the Premier League champions travel to Manchester City this weekend. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing another of the game’s finest strikers, and securing a third shutout consecutively, could strengthen Slot's post-Madrid message that Liverpool remain in the chase for the biggest prizes. Ideal Cure for Recent Woes The Champions League victory over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 wins from 14 games prior to coming at Anfield, was the perfect remedy for a Liverpool team looking to heal the wounds of a difficult spell of Slot’s reign. Additionally, it served as excellent groundwork for the challenge ahead at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that prefers to attack, which doesn't defend in a low block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “There will be some similarities,” said Virgil van Dijk, who mastered Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 solid collectively defensively.” Reasons for Success Slot’s list for the successful performance against Madrid as well as Villa on Saturday – aligned with his analysis of the earlier struggles during a run of six losses in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and better conditioning of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley following disrupted preparations played a part. They backed up his previous arguments and choice to sacrifice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s defense. The overdue return at full-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, brought composure and leadership to a defence. The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not from the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. The Hungary captain is flourishing this season and has established himself as a leader in the team. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” commented Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The work rate he brings during matches is remarkable, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.” Looking Ahead The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad previously as Liverpool surprised City by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool 11 points clear at the summit with 11 games to play. This weekend they will be playing catch-up but, as Slot reminded everyone after beating Real, there is a long way to go for Liverpool to stage a recovery.