Liverpool reinforce defensive advantage ahead of Forest clash after Slot’s demand
Liverpool straighten the backline ahead of Slot’s remarks for the upcoming fixtures.
French defender Ibrahima Konate is yet to start a game in the new Premier League season, remaining an unused substitute for Liverpool.
In the Nations League Didier Deschamps has remained to the standard plan around his preferred partnership as with the pressure is mounting after a 3-1 loss to Italy. However, the head coach went back to the previous lineup that saw Les Bleus reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
William Saliba has become a fulcrum in the French team and as things appear Bayern Munch’s Dayan Upamecano is preferred to Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order. On Monday night Upamecano replaced the Liverpool defender in a comfortable 2-0 victory over Belgium in the Nations League.
Konate has landed in a familiar situation even with the national side, having not played a minute during the Euros. However, Arne Slot has the final say along with Liverpool’s medical staff regarding the game time of the player.
As the Reds begin the campaign after the International break against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Konate on pitch time will be decided, as the side hopes to continue their 100% Premier League record.
The centre-back’s Premier League life started fashionably for Liverpool. On the opening day of the 2024/25 season, the French defender replaced Jarell Quansah at half-time at Ipswich Town, his performance was solid. Konate provided the Reds with physicality at the backline to follow up the first 2-0 victory with another, this time against Brentford. The third game was a comprehensive 3-0 win at Old Trafford over rivals Manchester United.
While Liverpool thought they found a strong partner alongside Virgil van Dijk through Konate, the 25-year-old’s downfall was unprecedented since a £35 million due to injuries, since moving from RB Leipzig in 2021. Konate is facing trouble due to fitness setbacks which have been longer than initially anticipated.
After a hamstring injury in the 5-1 Europa League win over Sparta Prague in March, he missed out most of the closing phase of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
“It’s frustrating but I know my role on and off the field,” said the former manager. A 100 percent Ibou would never have sat on the bench.”
Slot and his staff must keep an eye on Konate’s minutes, maintaining the current one-match-per-week schedule for Liverpool. However, the season slowly expands with the Champions League, and the Carabao Cup starting, meaning busier schedules where squad rotation is key for the team.
“Again, three games played – only games from Saturday to Sunday or Sunday to Sunday, so there is still a lot for us to prove if we are going to play Champions League,” the head coach said after the victory at Old Trafford.
“I don’t want to be the one that spoils everything but two years ago was the last season that we played Champions League and we all know how that season ended. There is a lot to prove for us if we play the difficult games in the Champions League and still be good at the weekend.
Liverpool can manage Konate’s minutes, allowing Slot to decide the in and out minutes during the game. However, when during national duty, Liverpool have to refuse. They can make a request, but the final choice lies with Deschamps. Meanwhile, with van Dijk and Quansah completing a busy international week, Konate could be in better physical condition.
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