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Ibrahima Konata has not featured in any of Liverpool’s last four matches but has insisted he has not been ‘dropped’ by Jurgen Klopp.
Konate is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world in his time, but the season just gone has seen him hit a stumbling block in his progress.
Amid repeated injuries, he struggled to reach top form and ended up not playing in any of Liverpool’s last four matches, despite being fit.
Konate asked The world how he felt about Liverpool’s “relegation” and whether he felt ready for the Euros as a result. He replied: “’Degradation’ is not the right word.
“There has been nothing in the game in Liverpool’s last few games. If that had been the case, I would have been in a different mood and would have discussed it with the manager.
“But I worked twice as hard on myself, along with club training, in order to be ready for this Euro. Mentally, nothing to say. Physically, I still need some playing time in my legs, but I’m not worried.”
The Frenchman is somewhat right in that there hasn’t been much riding on those last few matches, following Liverpool’s collapse in April.
However, the sentiment at the time was that Jarell Quansah was in better shape and was a better option throughout the season.
Ongoing problems and muscle injuries have slowed Konate’s development since arriving at Liverpool in 2021. He has admitted this but remains positive.
“(I tell) myself that the career is short and now is not the time to waver,” the 25-year-old said.
“Sometimes, when I’m lying in bed, I tell myself if I wasn’t injured, I’d be very strong, maybe the best central defender today (laughs), but that’s all part of football. .
“It doesn’t stop me from moving forward and, on the contrary, it gives me a steely mentality on the field and in my personal life.”
In an interesting interview with The worldhe also spoke about his support for the victims of the destruction in Gaza, Palestine.
He said he was expressing his support “because we have a voice that carries, that can be important, so you have to use it.”
The current violence in Israel and Palestine has killed at least 38,000 people as of October 7, 2023.
Konate continued: “It’s complicated because we live in a time when people see footballers as uncultured people who only know how to kick the ball.
“We see things like everyone else, we understand things like everyone else. But with the horrific images we see at the moment, what is important to us is peace and that innocent people stop dying.
“When we see injustice, we must speak out. Everyone is free to say whatever they want.”
Well said, Ibou.
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