Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has released a heratfelt statement amid strong criticism of his form so far this season. Despite winning the Premier League last season, the Reds have looked like a completely different team in 2025/26.
Arne Slot’s men were beaten by PSV 4-1 at home in their last Champions League outing, making it three defeats on the bounce. Having conceded three or more goals in each of those losses, the defence has understandably come under plenty of scrutiny.
Perhaps more than any defender at Anfield, Konate has been a lightning rod for blame of late.
Konate Speaks Out Amid Poor Form
Speaking via his social media accounts, the 26-year-old Liverpool defender spoke about how he and his teammates had to ‘fight’ to get back into form. In full, his emotional statement said:
“We have to take this moment on the chest. Criticism is part of football, and we’ll fight back every time and come through this storm. In these moments, the fans matter most. The ones who stand with us in the good times and the bad – the ones who sing for us even in the difficult moments! Your voice and your support mean everything to us. We know we need to improve and we’ll keep fighting for you. Always.”
The Reds are currenlty 12th in the Premier League, having lost as many games as they have won (six). Champions League form has also been mixed, as they sit 13th, with three wins and two defeats from five.
Jamie Carragher Among Konate’s Biggest Critics
Konate’s message comes in light of widespread criticism, but Jamie Carragher is among the most notable names questioning the Frenchman’s form. Following the loss to PSV, the Liverpool legend went as far as to suggest that Slot should lose his job for continuing to pick the centre-back.
The 26-year-old struggled on the evening an made a poor error in the build-up to PSV’s third goal, missing the ball as Couhaib Driouech capitalised on the mistake to make it 3-1. While watching the Champions League action unfold, pundit Carragher was heard saying: “Oh my God, [Ibrahima] Konate! Oh my God Konate. Watch Konate here, oh my God!”
He added: “I’ve f***ing had enough of them, honest to God. That Konate, that’s a sackable offence for the manager for keep picking him. He should be sacked for that.”
It’s not the first time Carragher has singled out Konate this season either. After the opening Premier League game of the campagin, a 4-2 Liverpool win over Bournmeouth, the Englishman said the defender has a ‘really poor night’. His comments were so pointed, Matt Le Tissier suggested that the Frenchman ought to be ‘cut a little slack.’
Konate’s contract is up in the summer, and has long been linked with a free transfer to Real Madrid. These rumours likely won’t help any fans ease off on the criticism, especisally when form is so poor.