Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has praised Ibrahima Konaté’s commitment to the club after the defender returned early from compassionate leave following the death of his father, in order to help the English side amid a defensive injury crisis.
The French centre-back had missed Liverpool’s last three matches, but cut short his planned absence as soon as he realised the scale of the team’s problems, with four defenders sidelined, including Joe Gomez.
It was an emotional and unforgettable return for Konaté, who scored the fourth goal in Saturday’s 4–1 comeback victory over Newcastle United, as the champions recorded their first Premier League win in more than a month.
“It’s been two very difficult weeks. He had planned to return at the end of this week, which would have meant he couldn’t play in this match,” Slot said.
“But when he saw the problems we had in defence, he called me at the start of the week and said: ‘I want to come back to help the team against Newcastle.’
“He returned on Wednesday and trained twice with us. Not only did he score, but he played an excellent match, and the fans really appreciated him throughout the game, especially at the end when he scored.”
After the goal, Konaté was surrounded by his teammates – including goalkeeper Alisson, who ran from one end of the pitch to the other to celebrate with him – as the Frenchman wiped away tears and the Anfield crowd rewarded him with a powerful standing ovation.
“I don’t have the words to describe how I feel right now, because these last two weeks have been very difficult for me and my family, but this is part of life. It’s hard to accept and we don’t have a choice,” Konaté told TNT Sports.
“I knew the team had some injured players. The coach told me on the phone to take my time and that I didn’t need to rush back. In this situation, for me it was important to return and help the team.”
Konaté’s goal came after Hugo Ekitike scored twice before the break, while Florian Wirtz also got on the scoresheet, as Liverpool secured their first Premier League win in six matches.
“Everyone was cheering for Ibou and Florian when they came back after the TV interviews, but especially for Ibou,” Slot added.
“This team has shown that we are always there for each other in difficult circumstances. That’s how it has been for him in recent days as well.”
With this victory, Liverpool temporarily climbed to fifth place in the table, one point above Manchester United, who host Fulham on Sunday.
