Ibrahima Konate has revealed his future career aspirations which undoubtedly is a good news for Liverpool fans. Konate, 23, joined Jurgen Klopp’s team in a £36 million transfer from RB Leipzig in 2021 and has since grown into a key member of the squad. While he has excelled on the pitch, injuries have plagued him in his first two seasons at the club, limiting him to just 13 starts this season.
Yet, he is currently thought of as Virgil van Dijk’s first-choice center-back partner due to Joel Matip’s ongoing injury problems and Joe Gomez’s concerning deterioration in form. Furthermore, as a result of his exploits for Liverpool, Ibrahima Konate has also made his way into the France team. He played for his country during their journey to the World Cup final in Qatar.
Where can I go next? – Ibrahima Konate makes honest admission about Liverpool future
Ibrahima Konate is now again on international duty with France in preparation for their forthcoming EURO 2024 qualifiers. He started the Les Bleus’ opener against the Netherlands, helping his side keep a clean-sheet in a 4-0 win. Konate and France next face the Republic of Ireland on Monday in the qualifying campaign. In an interview with the French media about his club career, the defender stated that despite this season’s setback, he has no plans to leave Liverpool. Konate said:
“When you play for Liverpool, the honest question is ‘Where can I go next?’ You need to perform to last in such a club. My goal is to be a key player for the short and long term and, of course, win all the trophies at hand.
“We’ll admit it: This season is more complicated for all of us, for the whole club. No one is better placed than the coach to talk about the reasons why. We had the misfortune of having a lot of injuries, like me at the start of the season. We were maybe short on players. The workload was intense and it became complicated. But the season is not over.”
This season has been harsher on Klopp’s men, as their European departure at the hands of Real Madrid last week ended their ambitions of winning a trophy after they had already lost in both the domestic cup competitions. The Reds are currently struggling for a fourth place finish in the Premier League following an inconsistent season that included injury problems and a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth a week after a 7-0 victory over Manchester United.
Last year was tough on Ibrahima Konate as he lost two crucial finals—the Champions League and the World Cup—for his club and nation respectively. But he stated:
“I am lucky that I have zero regrets. When I look again at the scenario against Real Madrid, I say to myself: ‘What more could I have done?’ Well, nothing at all. The World Cup final, I have a few precious minutes and I also say to myself: “What more could I have done?” And I don’t see it. I have regrets for the team but no personal regrets.”
Liverpool are planning a total summer overhaul after a below-par season which will now yield no trophies. Midfield has been the Reds’ priority with the attack set perfectly for years to come after the additions of 23-year-olds Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez in the winter and summer transfer windows respectively. While a long list of midfield targets has been drawn, England international Jude Bellingham sits atop of it alongside some key men.