(Credit Imago)

Ben Palmer

Sat 16 August 2025 12:06, UK

Ibrahima Konate deserves a “little bit of slack” after the defender struggled in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth.

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That is the view of former England and Southampton star Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that it was too early to be “jumping on his case”.

Liverpool began their title defence in front of a packed Anfield crowd on Friday evening (15 August), and cruised into a 2-0 lead through goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo.

The Reds had looked nervous at the back in brief moments in the opening hour, but those were masked by the imperious attacking football on display.

However, Arne Slot’s decision to replace Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez proved disastrous.

The two young full-backs are as athletic and speedy as they come, and their defensive work rate and recovery pace helped cover for Konate’s repeated misplaced passes and sliced clearances throughout the match.

Without them, and with the more lethargic Wataru Endo and Andy Robertson in their place, Liverpool and Konate fell apart.

Hugo Ekitike has scored twice in the space of two games for Liverpool.

(Credit: Imago)

This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

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Antoine Semenyo capitalised for Bournemouth by scoring twice in the space of ten minutes, levelling the score, with both goals the result of a quick counter where both Konate and Endo were caught out of position.

And whilst Liverpool recovered and claimed victory on the opening night of the season, thanks to goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, it was a rude wake-up call for the French defender.

Jamie Carragher called Konate’s performance “shocking”, calling out the 26-year-old’s positioning during his live commentary on Sky Sports’ Main Event channel.

However, Le Tissier has come to the Frenchman’s aid, telling Football Insider exclusively: “Ibrahima Konate’s performance last night was an interesting one.

Not one of his better games for Liverpool.

“He was slammed by the commentator [Jamie Carragher] during the game.

“I think we’ve got to cut the boy a little bit of slack.

It’s the first game of the season, it’s pretty early to be jumping on his case.”

The Reds have signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma, adding to their defensive depth this summer.

But the Italian is just 18 years old and has played 30 senior games in his career, meaning he is unlikely to become a first-choice starter this season.

Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to Anfield.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

As such, Slot needs more depth in the central defensive areas, so it comes as no surprise that Liverpool have reopened talks for Marc Guehi with Crystal Palace.

The England international has just one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park and would offer an alternative option to Konate, should the Frenchman continue to struggle.

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