Rio Ferdinand shares Ibrahima Konate 'headline treatment' theory as Real Madrid factor noted

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Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate, joining fellow ex-Premier League defender Conor Coady in dismissing criticism of the Frenchman's performances this season. Konate has faced a lot of scrutiny since the start of the season (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images) "There's no way that Konate has a bad performance last season and he's getting the headline treatment," he said.

"Or, whenever there's a little mistake here, and if there's blame to be put between two people, he'll probably get it now because of that situation." Liverpool's defense has been underwhelming this season, with late goals conceded overshadowing their own last-minute scoring efforts. Coady said, "I look from a centre-back's point of view and Konate is getting a bit of stick at the start of the season, let's be honest.

"They exploited that channel and Konate has got to go out and defend and I'm telling you now, from a centre-back's point of view, you do not want to go out there and defend as a right-back. "It's hard, there's a reason you're not out there, you're not quick enough.