Arne Slot urged Liverpool to carry their Champions League form into their defence of the Premier League title after recording another impressive win against Real Madrid at Anfield.
The Liverpool head coach hailed the “outstanding” Conor Bradley for nullifying Vinícius Júnior and claimed the performances of the full‑back plus the match-winner Alexis Mac Allister were signs of his squad growing fitter and stronger.
Bradley shone against Real for the second season in succession as his predecessor as Liverpool right‑back, Trent Alexander-Arnold, was booed throughout his return to Anfield, coming off the bench on 81 minutes.
Having won only once in five Premier League games, however, Slot admitted the performance against Xabi Alonso’s team must be replicated when Liverpool visit Manchester City on Sunday. The head coach insisted there remains plenty of opportunity to turn the league campaign around.
“It was impressive because we played against an incredible side that is in an unbelievable run of form,” Slot said. “So to beat them is very positive but we can say we beat them because of a set piece. We have scored four in the Champions League. If we had scored as many in the Premier League we would have more points than we have now, but we have scored none and conceded five. If that is your balance you are not going to pick up many points.
“Sunday is another game coming up against a very strong team. We have lost too many points in the Premier League but in the Champions League we are doing well. We need to do better and that is what we are going to try and there’s a lot of games coming up for us to show that.”
Slot said of Bradley: “Conor was outstanding. Last season he was outstanding against Real Madrid but he had to go off injured after 80 minutes. Here, three days after Aston Villa, he was against Vinícius for 90 minutes. Real have 26 goals in La Liga and Mbappé and Vinícius have 24 goal contributions between them.
“Great individuals can always create and score goals, and Conor played very well against Vinícius.”
