Football loves a comeback, and Ibrahima Konate just delivered a blockbuster. Once left out of Euro 2024 with a front-row seat on France’s bench, the Liverpool star is now wearing the captain’s armband and barking orders in Milan. Talk about a glow-up!
The transformation began after a summer heartbreak where Konate, hampered by injuries was sidelined for William Saliba.
Speaking over the recent international break, the Liverpool defender revealed how he dealt with the disappointment:
“The tough part was to start regularly and not to play in a major tournament for which we prepared. From a private and personal standpoint, it was tough. But now, William Saliba is a friend and like a brother to me.”
The 25-year-old also revealed that he would speak to Saliba before games:
“I told him it was his moment, and that he had to seize it. Given his performances with Arsenal, he deserved it too. I was happy for him.”
Lastly, Konate also explained that he was well aware of why he lost his spot in the team for Euro 2024:
“I hadn’t played in recent months and I lacked rhythm, you could feel it in training.
The coach told me that today, there are better players than me in this position. It was a big lesson for me. Nothing is ever taken for granted in life.”
Ibrahima Konaté: from bench warmer to commanding captain
Fast forward to the UEFA Nations League clash against Italy, and Konate was handed the armband in the absence of Kylian Mbappe. Didier Deschamps apparently saw in him what the rest of us are now realizing: the man is a born leader.
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In pre-match footage that has since gone viral, Konate rallied his teammates with a speech that could hype up a sloth. He demanded revenge for France’s earlier loss to Italy, reminded everyone about the perks of topping the group (home advantage, duh).
“Come on guys, set-pieces, in defence and attack, Lucas (Digne) knows what he has to do,” Konate says in the clip.
Guys, there’s a first-place finish up for grabs too. First place means that in the next round, boys, the second match will be at home. That’s what important too, guys.
But today, it’s about revenge, absolutely [Italy beat France 3-1 in September]. Revenge, revenge, revenge.”
Further, he even orchestrated defensive strategies with Jules Kounde. Somewhere Klopp must be grinning.
He said:
“Jules, we know what we have to do, boss. Keep talking a lot with everyone, okay?”
What now?
On the pitch, Konate did not just talk the talk – he strutted it. France avenged their September humiliation with a commanding 3-1 victory. Evidently, social media erupted with praise, and Liverpool fans are now whispering about Konate as a future captain.
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With Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s contract ticking down, the 25-year-old is clearly auditioning for the role of Liverpool’s next talisman. Under Arne Slot, Konate has transformed into a wall in defense and a vocal presence that echoes through Premier League.
At this instant, Liverpool fans will hope his resurgence continues as the league leaders visit Southampton and prepare for a juicy Champions League clash against Real Madrid.
As for Konate, he is not back; he is thriving. From the bench to the armband, his journey screams resilience. The takeaway? Never count a lion out, especially one with a roar as loud as Ibrahima Konate’s.
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