Manager delighted with “very positive” performance but warns it must be replicated against Manchester City on Sunday
Arne Slot praised Liverpool’s composure as well as the Anfield atmosphere after his side’s 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid.
Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header secured a crucial win on a night when Liverpool looked like the title-winning side of last season, outplaying a Madrid side that arrived on Merseyside having dropped points just once in 14 games.
“It was impressive because we played against an incredible side that is on an unbelievable run of form,” Slot said. “If you can win against them and perform like we did, that’s very positive.”
The result came at the end of a poor run of form that had seen Liverpool lose six of their last eight games in all competitions. However, Slot’s side looked impressive last weekend when they beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Anfield and followed it up with another win on Tuesday night at their home ground.
Before that, they had played six of their previous eight matches away from home. The manager admitted the return to Anfield and the intensity of its crowd helped give his players a liftoff.
“It’s been a tricky few weeks, many away games and hardly any rest,” said Slot. “It helps when you can play in front of these fans. Playing against Real Madrid brings the best out of the players and the supporters.”
The manager hailed outstanding right-back Conor Bradley who helped by shutting down Vinicius Junior on Madrid’s left, with the Brazilian ultimately ending the night with a booking.
“Conor was outstanding,” said Slot. “To face Vinicius 1-v-1 so many times is not for everyone. He handled it brilliantly.”
With a trip to Manchester City looming at the weekend, Liverpool’s manager said his side had to replicate their great performance once more against Pep Guardiola’s side.
“We’ve lost too many points in the Premier League,” said Slot. “In the Champions League, we’ve been good, but that level needs to carry over.
“Sunday is another big test against a very strong team. There’s still time to turn things around.”
