Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has slammed Ibrahima Konate following their defeat to PSG in the Champions League quarter-finals first leg.
PSG secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Liverpool at the Parc des Princes in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia found the back of the net, helping the French club ease past the Reds, who now have a mountain to climb in the second leg at home.
Carragher isn’t pleased with Konate’s performances
While speaking on CBS Sports, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was quick to question Ibrahima Konate for his performance. The 48-year-old pundit hit out at the French international for his unreliable work at the back throughout the ongoing campaign.
A lot of focus has been on ageing centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who certainly doesn’t seem to be at his best. But Carragher believes a lot of that is because his partner hasn’t been able to help out the Dutch international. Konate has made life more difficult for the 34-year-old, given the number of errors he has made.
Carragher said via CaughtOffside, “People have criticised Van Dijk for his performances this season but I think it’s been harsh. I think he plays every game, the fella next to him has been awful all season and poor again tonight, Konate, makes a mistake every game, so that’s not easy to play alongside, so I still think he’s been one of Liverpool’s better players, Virgil van Dijk,”
Konate’s dip in form
Konate has been a part of the Liverpool setup since the summer of 2021. The former RB Leipzig star has established himself as a key figure in the team. While he has been a solid performer for them over the years, the ongoing campaign hasn’t been that great for the 26-year-old.
While he has made quite a few errors and Liverpool’s backline has been leaking way more goals than they did last year, it’s not all down to Konate. The team as a whole haven’t been anywhere close to the levels they showcased last season.
Carragher is frustrated with the French centre-back’s recent displays, but he could still be an integral part of their plans going forward. However, Konate needs to get back to his best and, more importantly, Liverpool need to secure his future with a new deal.
Recent reports suggest the Reds have made significant progress, but he has yet to put pen to paper. So, there is still a chance of him running down his deal and leaving as a free agent.
