Ibrahima Konate has struggled for form during Liverpool’s alarming run of nine defeats in 12 matches, and Real Madrid have reportedly ended their interest in signing the defender, whose contract expires soon.
Konate has vowed to “fight back” after a difficult spell, with reports claiming that Madrid are no longer considering the Frenchman as a summer target. He is one of several Liverpool players whose displays have dipped significantly during Arne Slot’s turbulent stretch in charge.
The centre-half has been substituted early in the second half of Liverpool’s last two games — a 3-0 Premier League loss at home to Nottingham Forest and a heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
Ahead of Sunday’s crucial meeting with West Ham United, Konate posted a message to supporters on social media, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. “We have to take this moment on the chest,” he wrote. “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.”
With his contract due to expire at the end of the season and talks yet to progress, the defender will be free to negotiate with clubs abroad from 1 January.
But Spanish media reported on Friday morning that Real Madrid — long linked with Konate — have informed Liverpool they will not pursue the 26-year-old on a free transfer next summer.
Konate’s comments mirror those of manager Arne Slot, who addressed the press on Thursday. Asked if he felt betrayed by his players, Slot replied: “No, not at all. Although I do agree with you that out standards have not been up to the standards that we’re used to and we want.
“But last year when we did really well there was a focus on certain individuals, but I’ve always said it’s about the group.”
He added: “A lot of pressure if you work at a top club, even more so if you losing more than this club is used. There is always pressure, last year it was to win the league but now it is a different pressure. Maybe my job is easier because I don’t have to play.
“It’s hard for every player, when we go down after five minutes and play well first half and then we concede second half, so we get knock after knock after knock. So we keep fighting. It is what we did so well last year and it is the minimum we expect over 90 minutes.”
