Konaté, a growing problem for Liverpool

Ibrahima Konaté is feeling the heat from Liverpool’s rocky start to the 2025–26 Premier League season. While the reigning champions have stumbled under new manager Arne Slot, Konaté’s own performances have raised eyebrows—suggesting his dip in form isn’t just collateral damage.

Exposed and under pressure

Konaté’s vulnerabilities were on full display during last weekend’s 3–2 loss to Brentford. In a key moment, he was easily outrun by Kevin Schade on a counterattack, leading to Brentford’s second goal. It was a snapshot of a season marked by inconsistency for the center-back, who has been a regular starter since Slot took over in summer 2024.

Under Jürgen Klopp, Konaté’s minutes were more carefully managed. In fact, Klopp famously clashed with France manager Didier Deschamps over the defender’s heavy international workload. But Slot has leaned heavily on Konaté—and the cracks are beginning to show.

Defensive decline across the board

Liverpool’s defensive stats paint a grim picture. Through 14 matches this season, the Reds have conceded 21 goals—a sharp rise from just 9 goals at the same point last year, and 12 goals during Klopp’s final season in 2023–24.

There are many reasons behind the defence’s implosion - injuries to Frimpong and Alisson, new left-back Milos Kerkez looks totally out of his depth, Van Dijk is well off the pace and is making his unhappiness with his back four known, and then there’s Konaté who has been shocking.

His individual metrics are equally concerning:

Numbers which suggest Konaté is struggling to maintain a high level of performance across an entire campaign—especially when defending in open space, where Liverpool’s system often leaves him exposed.

A season of mixed signals

Despite his defensive woes, Konaté remains a fixture in Slot’s lineup. But fans and analysts alike are questioning whether he can deliver consistent, top-tier performances week in and week out - and remain injury-free. With Liverpool’s title defense hanging in the balance, the pressure is mounting—not just on the team, but on Konaté to rediscover his form.