Ex-Liverpool star puts Ibrahima Konate criticism into perspective - 'This sometimes happens'

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However, the 2005 Champions League victor maintains he harbours no lasting worries about his fellow Frenchman, describing Konaté as a "top-class defender." Konaté – who is dealing with a quad injury – has faced scrutiny for several recent displays as Arne Slot's league leaders suffered three consecutive defeats for the first time under the head coach's stewardship. I think there's a case to be made that at the moment he isn't performing as well as he should be, but I'm not really worried because he's a top-class defender.

Djibril Cisse has come to Konate's defense (Image: 2005 Getty Images) "This sometimes happens with players – you go through bad periods, which is exactly what's happening to him and why he's getting criticized. "However, he's still a top player and an important defender for Liverpool." Konate was forced to leave the pitch shortly after half-time in Liverpool's thrilling 2-1 loss at Chelsea, with Reds head coach Slot later expressing concern that the player had sustained a quad injury.

France national team manager Didier Deschamps has kept quiet about Konate's condition, but his international colleague and Arsenal defender William Saliba has provided some insight into the Liverpool player's fitness. "I hope he'll be back soon, but I don't know any more." Konate, who was seen participating in some of France's training session that day, is out of contract at the end of the season and has attracted interest from Real Madrid.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.