Ibrahim Konate
Liverpool are actively engaged in discussions to extend Ibrahima Konate’s contract, which is set to expire in the coming months. The French international, who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021, has been in negotiations with the club for over a year. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has expressed his desire for Konate to remain at Anfield beyond the current season. Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has also addressed concerns regarding Mohamed Salah’s recent goal-scoring form.
Arne Slot said: “We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends. We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay. It’s just as good from Ibou as from Virgil (to stay fit), I’m sure there is a difference in age and that sometimes plays a part as well. Ibou has had a very good spell recently. He had a lot of good games earlier in the season but then he was also part of the reason why we conceded a goal. His general performances were good but then a small mistake he made immediately led to a goal and so he was judged differently. But he has had a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit. Touch wood. These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind.”
Konate’s potential contract renewal is crucial for Liverpool, given his strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk. The duo has been instrumental in Liverpool’s defensive setup, providing stability and consistency. Despite occasional mistakes, Konate’s recent performances have been commendable, and his fitness has been a significant asset for the team. Slot’s comments highlight the importance of retaining Konate, especially considering the limited defensive options available to the club.
Slot added: “There could be multiple reasons for that. It could be the opponent is even more aware of his threat after such a great season last season, or having so many different right backs behind him for the whole season has influenced that dynamic. What I do see is that, in general, the team generates just as many chances as we did last season. The team has the most ball possession in the league. I also see us being able to bring our forwards, and not only Mo, into very promising positions in many games. Even last season Mo had a period where he scored seven in four games, I think, and then five or six games where he didn’t score.”
Regarding Mohamed Salah, Slot has dismissed concerns over the Egyptian forward’s goal-scoring form since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Salah, who has scored only six goals this season, has not found the net in the Premier League since November 1. Slot suggested that tactical adjustments by opponents and changes in the team’s right-back position might have affected Salah’s performance. However, he remains optimistic about Salah’s ability to regain his form, citing past instances where the forward has gone on impressive scoring runs.
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