In the latest Standard Chartered-sponsored “Reds Roundtable episode,” Ibrahima Konate shared profound insights into his journey at Liverpool and how Klopp predicted a change in his life. Joined by teammates Diogo Jota and Alexis Mac Allister, Konaté spoke with presenter Vicky Gomersall about his growth, ambitions, and the challenges of adapting to a new manager.
Konaté recalled a pivotal moment when former manager Jürgen Klopp told him that his life would change completely upon signing with Liverpool.
“I remember before I signed for Liverpool, I spoke to Jurgen and he told me the day when you sign you will see how your life will change completely. And I said okay I trust your word, but I didn’t expect it to be this big impact. Everywhere we have traveled to in the world, we have so many fans and this changed everything for me. And to be a part of this Club, this story means so much to me and I hope this season and in the future, we will do great things because it’s just a dream to be here at Liverpool.”
This prediction has certainly come true, as Konaté has experienced significant personal and professional growth during his time at the club. He described these moments of growth as some of the most special in his career.
Despite the challenges of transitioning to a new manager, Konaté remains optimistic about the team’s direction under Arne Slot. “Nobody expected us to be in this position after Jürgen left,” he said. “People said we were going to struggle in the first year with Arne, but we believed in ourselves. We have been in this league for a few years now and have won titles, so we just needed to get our heads down and understand what the new gaffer wanted from us.”
Konaté emphasized the importance of winning trophies, not just games. “For me, to play football and win a game is not enough. It’s really about winning something at the end. I won my first trophy in my career with Liverpool, and the feeling of winning something with this club, the fans, the players, the love, is something you want every season.”
He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a winning mentality, especially with the demanding schedule of modern football. “We want to compete. We want to wake up and work very hard because we can win games, do a lot of things, and suffer in games, but in the end, if we win something, it will be more beautiful. I think we have this, and I know sometimes it is hard to keep this mentality because you’re tired or have a problem in your private life. But just to switch and say, ‘Now I am in the football mindset,’ and get yourself together because nowadays we have so many games every three days, and it’s not easy.”
Konaté also reflected on his recent achievement of captaining the French national team during the last international break in November. “No, no, I did not think about that, no chance for sure. I did not dream of playing for the national team at that point; I just wanted to play football professionally because I was the last of six brothers, my older brothers played football but did not get a lot of help and luck that I got. And when you achieve something, then you think, okay, I can get to the national team, but no, I did not think about that earlier in my career.”
He shared his natural inclination towards leadership, even from his younger days at RB Leipzig. “When the younger players come through, I try to speak with them and encourage them to make them feel free, and even in the national team, it can be really hard.”
Konaté also had some kind words for his colleagues on the show. He joked about what he would take from Alexis Mac Allister was his World Cup win after Argentina beat France to claim the top trophy. “For Jota, I think it’s his finishing. Every time we play and he has a situation to score, we know we are very close to scoring. His left and right foot are amazing.”
Konaté’s reflections highlight the resilience and determination that have become synonymous with Liverpool’s ethos. His positive outlook and leadership qualities bode well for the club’s future under Arne Slot.
Read more: David Moyes sympathises with Arne Slot after red card in Merseyside derby
Cody Gakpo a major doubt ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Wolves
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admits Kai Havertz’s injury was “unexpected”
