Konaté humiliated, the very harsh words

The harsh reality of the score and the criticism of Michael Owen

While the late equalization of Federico Chiesa seemed to have to save a point for the champions, the Eagles did not let go. Eddie Nketiah took a lost ball from the chest and set a lightning strike that left Alisson no chance, sealing the 97th minute victory.

For Michael Owen, former Liverpool striker, defeat is directly attributable to the defense of Reds. The expert did not chew his words, targeting particularly Konaté, saying that the French defender was “lost and unable to counter the unleashed attack of Palace”.

Speaking after the match, Owen said: ” I don't know if it was fatigue, but they let rest a lot of players in the middle of the week in Carabao Cup. They were not in their usual state. We are at the start of the season, I would hesitate to put this on the account of fatigue. »»

Then he pointed to individual performance: “In the first half, Konaté did not know what he was doing. I cannot say that it was due to rust or fatigue. We saw one or two similar performances on his part this season, quite similar. “Owen refused the apology, preferring to congratulate the opponent:” I would not use this excuse, I would congratulate Crystal Palace, it's a real team. They beat Liverpool during the Community Shield, it was no coincidence. I would rather say that Palace played very well. »»

The trainer's assessment and the problem of set kicks

Dutch coach Arne Slot admitted that Reds Were not at their best level in the first period and that they deserved to be carried out at the score at the break. However, he underlined a boost in the second half.

Addressing the BbcSlot said: ” A very difficult first half. They played very well and deserved to lead 1-0. We were lucky that it was only 1-0. In the second half, it was the opposite. The crucial moment, according to Slot, was the collapse on the kick of the last minute. “To be competitive, you need a very positive balance on the set kicks, and even more in this championship. It was one of our greatest assets last season, and we cashed two against Newcastle and two here. But this championship is increasingly focused on stopped set. »» The inability to manage these game phases, formerly a force, has become a critical vulnerability for Liverpool.

This halftone performance in Konaté place under increased pressure before a crucial week. Liverpool has to go to Istanbul this week to face Galatasaray in the Champions League, before moving to London to face Chelsea, a team in difficulty but determined to bounce after two consecutive defeats (including one against Brighton). The French must imperatively find the level of excellence displayed last season to calm criticism and secure its place.

It is all the more difficult to concentrate as persistent rumors announce it on the side of Real Madrid. THE Merengues would seriously consider recruiting Konaté for free next summer, like the acquisition of Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer. Spanish giants could be forced to intensify their interest in Konaté after the refusal of their initial target, William Saliba. The central defender of Arsenal has indeed signed a new long -term contract with Gunnersbinding it north of London until 2030, closing the door to a transfer to Madrid. The interest of Real Madrid, if he materialized, could explain a certain distraction of the defender, who will have to show composure and professionalism to maintain his concentration on the objectives of Liverpool despite this context of intense speculation.