Times are tough for Liverpool. The Reds have won only two of their last ten matches in the Premier League and again let slip points on Saturday on the Leeds lawn, with a spectacular draw (3-3) conceded a few minutes from the final whistle. An evening to forget, especially for Ibrahima Konaté.
The French central defender came under criticism from his Dutch coach, who spared no words after the match, emphasizing that Konaté was not on his best day. Between this and the explosive exit of Mohamed Salah, the situation is seriously complicated for Liverpool, who are stagnating in the middle of the table, 10 points behind leader Arsenal.
“He (Konaté) does a lot of good things”began Arne Slot before becoming more critical. “But he was a little too present at the crime scene, as I heard in England. This means he was involved in the goals we conceded. But if you are a central defender, it can happen in football”he added, referring to the penalty conceded by Konaté in the second half, which revived Leeds while Liverpool led 2-0.
Salah settles his accounts
Mohamed Salah was not spared either. During the last match, the Egyptian did not come into play, which is starting to weigh on him. As he left the stadium, he let out his frustration.
“I feel like the club is throwing me out to pasture. Against Brighton next weekend, I will be at Anfield to say goodbye to the supporters (…) before leaving for the African Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what will await me when I return”confided the attacker.
Under contract until 2027, Salah now suggests he could leave Liverpool: “I had a good relationship with the coach, and all of a sudden we have no relationship. I don’t know why, but it seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club. This situation is not acceptable. I’m not the problem, I’ve done so much for this club. I don’t have to fight every day for my position, I earned it.”. The atmosphere within the locker room seems more and more fragile.
