Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has publicly emphasised the importance of defender Ibrahima Konaté to the club's future plans, describing him as "vital" amidst ongoing contract negotiations and speculation linking the French international with a free transfer to Real Madrid.
Konaté's Crucial Role and Recent Resurgence
Slot has heaped praise on Konaté's performances since the player returned from compassionate leave following the death of his father, highlighting a strong defensive partnership with captain Virgil van Dijk. "It's just as good from him as from Virgil," stated Slot regarding Konaté's current form. "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."
The manager acknowledged that earlier mistakes had led to disproportionate criticism but affirmed Konaté's consistent quality and fitness. "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 is having 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."
Contract Standoff and Real Madrid Interest
Konaté's current contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and the 26-year-old has been persistently linked with a lucrative move to Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer. Liverpool have been attempting to secure his long-term commitment for over twelve months without success.
However, Slot insists the club remains actively engaged in talks and has not conceded defeat. "We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want," said the Dutch manager. "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."
This sentiment was echoed by Van Dijk, who, after scoring a midweek winner against Sunderland, expressed his desire for the club to finalise a new deal for his defensive colleague.
Defensive Rebuild and Konaté's Place
Liverpool have already begun reshaping their central defence with the high-profile signings of Giovanni Leoni and Jérémy Jacquet for initial fees totalling £81 million. Despite these significant investments, Slot maintains that Konaté remains an essential component of his strategic vision for the team's backline.
The manager's comments underscore a clear intent to retain Konaté's services, viewing him as integral to defensive stability despite the incoming reinforcements.
Slot's Assessment of Mohamed Salah
In related team news, Slot also addressed the form of star forward Mohamed Salah, who has found goals harder to come by this season following his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. While Salah's assist numbers and pressing statistics have improved, his shot frequency has declined.
"There could be multiple reasons for that," analysed Slot. "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. I could come up with five or six more reasons."
Slot pointed to the team's overall chance creation and league-leading possession stats as positive indicators. "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."
He urged for patience and a broader evaluation at the season's conclusion. "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, so let's see where he is at the end of the season when it comes to goals and assists."
The ongoing contract situation with Ibrahima Konaté represents a critical piece of business for Liverpool as they aim to solidify their defence for the coming campaigns, with Arne Slot making his desire to keep the player unequivocally clear.
