Konate Shares Bold Ambitions for Liverpool This Season | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konate Discusses Growth and Aims for Liverpool

Stepping Up at Liverpool

At the heart of Liverpool’s defence, Ibrahima Konate has emerged not just as a towering presence on the pitch but as a figure of considerable influence off it. Since his transfer from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2021, the now 25-year-old centre-half has charted an impressive trajectory in both his personal and professional realms.

Reflecting on his development, Konate shared, “I remember I came into this club when I was 21, I was really young and the players around me were older than me. I think I grow up in every situation like a human, like a player and I take a lot of experience.”

His evolution at Liverpool has evidently prepared him for larger roles, evidenced last November when he donned the captain’s armband for the French national team during a significant UEFA Nations League victory over Italy. “I think the club helped me a lot to be the captain of the French squad. It was a great moment for me but it was just the start and I just have to work hard to be in this way.”

Photo: IMAGO

Goals on and off the Field

In the current 2024-25 season, Konate has not only fortified Liverpool’s defence but also contributed to its scoring, boasting two goals from 22 appearances thus far. Despite his defensive responsibilities, Konate is keen to enhance his attacking impact, targeting a personal best in goals scored.

“This is very important, especially for a defender. We want a clean sheet always,” he said, acknowledging his defensive duties. “Like I said, I’ve scored five goals and I really hope for more because my target this season is to score four goals – I have two left. If I score two more, I will be very happy.”

However, for Konate, the ultimate satisfaction comes from team success. “But the most important thing is to have a win with a clean sheet and for my goal it’s OK, it’s not important.”

Champions League Aspirations

As Liverpool gears up for a pivotal Champions League encounter with Lille at Anfield, Konate’s focus is razor-sharp. The Reds are on the brink of advancing to the last 16 and are determined to secure a victory against their Ligue 1 opponents.

“This is one of our targets, to finish top of the Champions League [league phase], but this will start tomorrow again because we play against Lille,” Konate remarked on the eve of the match. “It’s a very good team and we have to be ready because they come here to make a result against us. We will try to have [the] three points tomorrow.”

As Liverpool continues its quest across all fronts, Konate remains a key component of their ambitions, exemplifying growth and goal-oriented determination that transcends the mere physical dimensions of football.