Liverpool now seem unlikely to add any more trophies to the Carabao Cup this season after their disappointing 2-0 loss to Everton on Wednesday night.
Ahead of the game, the Reds were hopeful of doing what Arsenal did the day before, namely winning a derby to get firmly back into the Premier League title picture.
However, it ended up being one of the most disappointing nights in the Reds’ recent history. Not only did their title tilt fizzle out, but it happened on their bitter rivals’ patch.
In the 28th minute, the Reds conceded after a litany of errors at the back, with Jarrad Branthwaite forcing the ball over the line.
Then, on the hour mark, Dominic Calvert-Lewin was afforded a free header from a corner, and he rose up to head past Alisson Becker.
Liverpool were unable to force their way back into the game and must now rely on both Arsenal and Manchester City to crumble in the coming weeks.
Few Liverpool players could hold their heads up high after the game, and Ibrahima Konate was arguably one of his side’s worst players on the night.
The 24-year-old was second best to Calvert-Lewin for the whole night, both in the air and on the ground.
Konate gave away numerous free kicks, which is bad on its own but even more so against a rival managed by Sean Dyche.
And that’s before mentioning his role in Everton’s opener, a dismal attempt to clear the ball which led to the opening goal.
Jamie Carragher, writing on Sky Sports, suggested that Liverpool need to sign someone to cover for – and potentially replace – Konate.
What did Jamie Carragher say about Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate?
Carragher said: “Konate has been so poor of late. Liverpool need to buy a centre-back in the summer.”
The Anfield legend’s criticism follows on from his comments on the Frenchman during the match.
“Konate here, I mean what is he doing? He doesn’t know where he is,” Carragher said. “Just sticks a leg out at it.”
It’s a shame that Klopp’s fruitful Liverpool tenure looks set to fizzle out. There’s certainly a lot for the Reds and FSG to think about when it comes to the summer.
Konate is a great player on his day, and maybe this is just a case of him – and other Liverpool players – running on fumes after a busy and emotional season.