Liverpool boss Arne Slot does not rate Ibrahima Konate in his system, which could spark fresh defensive complications ahead of the season.
According to Football Insider, Arne Slot does not rate Ibrahima Konate all that well, which could create new complications at the back for the Reds. There are already uncertainties surrounding a few other defenders, as Arne Slot does not believe the 25-year-old first-team star has the ability to match his demands.
Ibrahima Konate’s future in doubt?
Liverpool have stayed quiet in the transfer window all this while and have yet to make a senior signing. They are chasing Martin Zubimendi, but beyond that, there are no clear-cut links to first-team players as the season opener inches closer.
Arne Slot also has to manage the uncertain futures of key players like Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Joe Gomez. The trio are in danger of leaving the club, with the latter linked with Newcastle United. Now, there are uncertainties over Ibhrahima Konate’s future, as the Dutch manager does not rate the 25-year-old first-team star.
Newcastle United are closing in on Marc Guehi, with Liverpool backing away from the pursuit owing to his huge asking price. He might have been a stellar signing to improve their defence and certainly a solid replacement for Konate. However, Arne Slot has concerns about what his analysis team has flagged about the Frenchman and his recent injury record.
Konate did miss a chink of the games last season, and after a dismal performance away in the Merseyside derby, he wasn’t picked to start Liverpool’s remaining Premier League games. He was also given a rough time by supporters during the 3-0 pre-season win over Manchester United, as Arne Slot now feels his ability on the ball does not support his cause ahead of the new season, as it could lead to an exit.
Liverpool’s defensive targets
As mentioned before, Liverpool are not very active in this window, although they have had a few links around for defenders. Gleison Bremer was linked earlier, while other names like Goncalo Inacio feature on their list.
Crystal Palace star Joachim Andersen is also a target, according to the latest report, although none of those links are concrete. If the Konate assessment has any truth to it, there are further problems brewing in the background, as Arne Slot possibly cannot rely on the likes of Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez to partner with Van Dijk and hope they help mount a title challenge.
