Ibrahima Konate agreement reached as Liverpool sent clear Real Madrid warning

Agreement reached for Ibrahima Konate as Liverpool issues a stern warning to Real Madrid.

 

 

 

This season, Ibrahima Konate has faced criticism due to Liverpool’s defensive struggles, but both Conor Coady and Rio Ferdinand have come to his defense.

 

 

 

Former Premier League defenders Conor Coady and Rio Ferdinand have stepped up to support Ibrahima Konate.

 

 

 

The central defensive pair have dismissed the negative feedback regarding the Frenchman’s performances, which have been scrutinized earlier this season.

 

 

 

Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champions, have come under significant scrutiny as their top-flight defense has encountered difficulties in recent weeks.

 

 

 

Nevertheless, Konate’s performances have become a focal point of discussion throughout the season, as Liverpool has appeared vulnerable defensively despite winning their first five matches.

 

 

 

With the 26-year-old’s contract set to expire next summer, the Reds are increasingly at risk of losing him for free, especially with Real Madrid showing interest.

 

 

 

The Spanish giants have maintained a long-term interest in the former RB Leipzig defender, with rumors suggesting that Xabi Alonso’s team may look to take advantage of the free transfer market once more.

 

 

 

Amid ongoing uncertainty regarding his future at Anfield, Konate has struggled to maintain consistency this season.

 

 

 

He has bounced back with strong performances against Arsenal and Everton, but has also faced criticism for errors in matches against Bournemouth, Newcastle United, and Galatasaray.

 

 

 

Ferdinand contends that the ongoing speculation about a potential move to Madrid has unfairly made Konate a scapegoat during this period of uncertainty.

 

 

 

“There’s no way that Konate had a poor performance last season and is now receiving such negative attention,” he stated.

 

 

 

“It’s solely due to the interest from Real Madrid, and there will be frustrated fans or media members who support Liverpool that will start to blame him now.

 

 

 

“Whenever there’s a minor error, and if blame needs to be assigned between two individuals, he is likely to receive it due to that circumstance.”

 

 

 

Liverpool has faced significant challenges this season – their ability to score late goals has been overshadowed by conceding critical goals in the final moments.

 

 

 

The Reds have managed to equalize in their last two Premier League matches, only to be caught off guard in stoppage time, with Estevao Willian’s decisive goal reminiscent of Eddie Nketiah’s devastating winner from the previous week.

 

 

 

New defensive acquisitions Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez are also under scrutiny, and Conor Bradley has experienced a decline in his performances.

 

 

 

Coady argued that Konate’s mistakes and subpar performances are a result of inadequate support.

 

 

 

The former Liverpool and Everton defender stated: “From a centre-back’s perspective, Konate is facing some criticism at the beginning of the season, let’s be honest.

 

 

 

“However, it’s important to recognize that he has to adapt his style of play now. What I mean is that he is required to defend in the channel because Frimpong or Conor Bradley are out of position, or Szoboszlai is not in midfield.

 

 

 

“Opponents have taken advantage of that channel, and Konate is forced to step out and defend. I can assure you, from a centre-back’s viewpoint, you do not want to be defending as a right-back.

 

 

 

It’s challenging; there’s a reason you’re not out there, as you may not possess the necessary speed.

 

 

 

“Trent would move into midfield, but I always believed he was positioned there. He received considerable criticism for his defensive skills, but now there is no full-back in place, and whenever the ball transitions, the area is left open, forcing Konate to defend in the channel with a vast expanse.

 

 

 

I can tell you, no centre-back desires to defend in that area, and there’s a reason you play centre-back instead of right-back.”