Liverpool defender Konate opens up on being unused France sub to Arsenal's Saliba
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 11.11.24. | 12:54
Not something you would expect to hear from a player of that ilk
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate will report today at France's camp for Les Bleus' two upcoming Nations League clashes against Israel and Italy.
Ahead of those games, Konate spoke to Canal+ on Sunday night about his disappointment in not playing a single minute in Euros, with Didier Deschamps favouring Arsenal's William Saliba.
Ibrahima Konaté 24/25 so far, the best CB in the world this season.pic.twitter.com/OMYEn90xjl
— 𝗞𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗙𝗖 (@KonateFC) November 10, 2024
According to Konate, Saliba deserved his place in the starting XI in France's run into the semi-finals.
"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, Saliba is a friend and like a brother to me."
The Liverpool centre-back recalled giving pep talks to his Arsenal counterpart before the 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."
William Saliba this PL season:
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) November 10, 2024
25 tackles
0 times dribbled past
No other player even has 15 tackles without being dribbled past. pic.twitter.com/YIwbaxXhlj
Konate explained he knew the reasons why he lost his place in France's back four to Saliba.
"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," concluded Liverpool's defender.
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