Jamie Carragher plays down Ibrahima Konate contract worry as Liverpool urged to stay calm
Ibrahima Konate’s future should not worry Liverpool, according to Jamie Carragher, who says his old team will be “absolutely fine” even if the defender departs on a free transfer in the summer.
Less than a year is left on the France international’s contract, and it’s unclear if he would consent to an extension before the January transfer window opens.
After joining Liverpool from RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga in 2021, Konate has become a vital member of the starting lineup.
With 147 appearances across all competitions and six goals, the 26-year-old has developed a solid relationship with Virgil van Dijk at the core of the Reds’ defence.
But until the January transfer market opens in less than two months, there is still a lot of conjecture about Konate’s future.
The centre back’s current contract is about to expire, and it’s unclear if he will sign new terms at Anfield.
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According to the German daily BILD, Konate is eligible to negotiate a free transfer in January, and German powerhouse Bayern Munich is reportedly considering whether to challenge La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid by making a move for him.
Although Konate’s contract position is still the subject of rumours, Liverpool has been assured that they won’t “fall apart” if they are compelled to look for a replacement.
“I’d like him to stay but if he doesn’t stay, Liverpool will sign someone else,” Carragher, who made 737 appearances for Liverpool and won 11 titles, stated in an interview with the Daily Mail.
If Konate departs, Liverpool won’t disintegrate. “Virgil van Dijk is not him. You hope he signs because he’s a good centre back, but Liverpool will be fine if he doesn’t.
He is an excellent centre back, won a championship with Liverpool, and participated in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He is undoubtedly a good centre defender.
“If he goes for free, it’s not bad management. A contract cannot be physically forced upon someone. Then you have to decide whether to sell him or keep him for the duration of his contract.
Konate was one of several players whose performances had significantly declined during a sequence that saw Liverpool lose four straight Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brentford.
With wins over Aston Villa in the league and Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid in the Champions League, the former Sochaux player has since been instrumental in helping Arne Slot’s team get back on track. Carragher is now pushing him to continue getting better over the coming weeks.
The Liverpool Legend wants Konate to be more reliable
When questioned about Konate’s recent performances, Carragher replied, “It’s still only a couple of games.” “The season hasn’t started off well for him, and he needs to be a little more consistent.
“He was outstanding against Real Madrid, and he needs to maintain that performance over the coming months; it can’t be just two straight games.
“To pick up your shape, there are no secrets. You become more professional by putting in more effort.
You’re always thinking about getting back into shape, and every little thing you consider will have an impact—whether it’s what you eat, when you go to bed, or simply becoming an ultra-professional both on and off the pitch.”
When Liverpool travels to Manchester City for a tantalising league match on Sunday, Konate will be looking to build on his and the team’s recent comeback.
With just one defeat in their previous 13 games in all competitions, Pep Guardiola’s team has been playing incredibly well lately.
Guardiola is getting ready to celebrate his 1,000th game as manager against Liverpool, who have been his greatest adversary throughout his trophy-filled tenure in English football, therefore the game will be very memorable for him.
“In terms of Jurgen’s side or Pep’s side, I think we respected each other,” City manager Guardiola said prior to the game, acknowledging that he misses playing against former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
“I miss Jurgen and felt that he gave me a lot.” He taught me a lot about how much I need to think, work, and do in order to defeat that guy and improve.”
