🔗 Share this article After Stifling Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius, Rejuvenated Liverpool Focus On Haaland Arne Slot has called for 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 on Tuesday, substitute Erling Haaland this coming weekend. Neutralizing one more of the world's best attackers, while keeping a third clean sheet consecutively, could strengthen the manager's declaration that Liverpool remain in contention for the major trophies. Ideal Cure for Poor Form 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 aiming to recover from the wounds of the worst run of Slot’s reign. It was also excellent groundwork for what awaits at the Etihad Stadium: an opponent that wants to play out, which doesn't defend in a defensive block and poses an clear and dangerous attacking prowess. “There will be some similarities,” stated Virgil van Dijk, who dominated Haaland at Anfield last season. “We're up against a high-flying side 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 – aligned with his explanations for why things went wrong during a run of six defeats in seven matches. Additional rest, avoiding early goals, and the improving fitness of players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley after injury-hit pre-seasons were cited. They backed up his previous arguments and decision to sacrifice the Carabao Cup by using rotated players against Crystal Palace. The return of the familiar midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch enhanced the protection to Liverpool’s backline. The overdue return at left-back of Andy Robertson, who has started the last three victories, brought composure and authority 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 Szoboszlai was again Liverpool’s engine in the midfield. The Hungary captain is excelling this season and has established himself as a key figure in the team. “What you see is what you get from Dom,” said Van Dijk. “His role is crucial. The energy he brings during matches is incredible, the quality that he has is outstanding and he is learning with every outing.” Next Challenge The midfielder started in attack with Curtis Jones and scored 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 11 points clear at the top with 11 matches 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 stage a recovery.