Ibrahima Konate has promised Liverpool fans that he will “rise again” after a worrying dip in form – a slump that coincides with Real Madrid reportedly stepping back from their interest in signing him on a free transfer.
The defender has been at the centre of Liverpool’s struggles this season, with the Reds losing nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions. Konate’s recent performances have led to him being substituted early in both the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest and the heavy 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
Ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Premier League trip to West Ham United, Konate took to social media with a direct message to supporters, as relayed by the Liverpool Echo.
“We have to face this moment head-on,” he wrote. “Criticism is part of the game. We’ll fight our way through this and come out stronger. And in times like this, the fans matter more than ever. The ones who stick with us through the highs and lows — your support means everything. We know we have to improve, and we’ll keep pushing for you. Always.”
Konate’s contract runs out at the end of the season, allowing him to speak with overseas clubs from January 1st. Yet new reports from Spain on Friday indicate that Real Madrid have informed Liverpool they will not be pursuing the 26-year-old in the summer, despite having monitored him for some time.
His comments arrive shortly after Arne Slot addressed the media, insisting he didn’t feel betrayed by his players but accepted that standards have dropped.
Slot said: “No, not at all. But I agree that our level hasn’t matched what we expect of ourselves. Last season, when things went well, people focused on individuals — but for me, it’s always about the whole group.
“There’s huge pressure at a club like this, even more when results aren’t going our way. Last year the pressure was about winning the league; now it’s something different. It’s tough on the players — going behind early, playing well, then taking more hits in the second half. But we keep fighting. That’s what we were good at last season, and that’s the minimum required over 90 minutes.”
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