🔗 Share this article Following Neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, Revived Liverpool Target Haaland Liverpool's manager requested a repeat of Liverpool’s display against Real Madrid when the Premier League champions visit Manchester City on Sunday. In place of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in midweek, read Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, while securing a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's post-Madrid message that Liverpool are still in the chase for the major trophies. Ideal Cure for Recent Woes Their European win over Xabi Alonso’s La Liga pace-setters, who had 13 victories from 14 matches prior to coming at Anfield, was an ideal solution for a Liverpool team aiming to recover from 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 defensive block and carries an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “It will be similar a little bit,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield the previous campaign. “We are facing a high-flying side 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 why things went right against Madrid – and Aston Villa on Saturday – were consistent with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six losses in seven matches. More recovery time, not conceding first, 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 choice to sacrifice 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 enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline. The welcome reappearance at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started each of Liverpool’s past three wins, restored calmness and leadership to a back four. The German playmaker enjoyed another good night in the Champions League but not in the attacking midfield position he usually plays in the Premier League. Szoboszlai’s Influence Once more, Szoboszlai served as Liverpool’s driving influence in the centre. His national team skipper is flourishing this season and has cemented his place as a key figure in the team. “Dom is consistently reliable,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings on the pitch is incredible, the skill that he has is exceptional and he is developing with every outing.” Next Challenge The midfielder started up front alongside Curtis Jones and found the net at the Etihad last season as Slot caught City cold by switching to a 4-2-2-2. Victory on that February day took Liverpool well ahead at the summit with 11 matches to play. On Sunday they will be chasing the leaders but, as the manager emphasized after beating Real, there is plenty of road left for Liverpool to mount a comeback.