Arne Slot has revealed that Ibrahima Konaté was not originally due to face Newcastle United after the recent death of his father, but the centre-back insisted on an early return to help Liverpool amid a defensive crisis. Konaté capped his emotional comeback with his first Premier League goal at Anfield, scoring the final goal in a 4-1 victory over Eddie Howe's side.
The France international had been on compassionate leave for three matches, missing Liverpool's previous fixtures. Slot disclosed that Konaté was planning to return at the end of the week, which would have ruled him out of the Newcastle game. However, after seeing the team's defensive problems, he called the head coach earlier in the week and said: 'I want to be back to help the team against Newcastle.'
Konaté trained twice after returning on Wednesday and delivered a strong performance, capped by a goal in front of the Kop. He was in tears after scoring and admitted he did not 'have words to describe what I feel right now.' Slot praised the support from teammates and fans, saying: 'Everyone was cheering for Ibou... This team has shown we are always there for each other in difficult circumstances.'
Slot also highlighted Hugo Ekitiké's contribution with two goals that turned the game, noting his pace and improved work-rate off the ball. The win leaves Liverpool six points clear of Newcastle in the race for Champions League places. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe lamented his side's defending, stating: 'We had done so much right... but we didn't defend well enough.'
