Ibrahima Konate has admitted members of the Liverpool first-team are 'very happy' following the news of Jurgen Klopp's contract extension.
It was confirmed yesterday afternoon the Reds' boss had put pen to paper on a new deal, keeping him at the club until 2026. His previous deal was due to expire at the end of the 2023/24 season, with many previously suggesting Steven Gerrard could have been the man to fill the void in two years.
Klopp's decision to remain on Merseyside could prove pivotal when recruiting players this summer, who are keen to have a clear picture of the Reds' long-term vision ahead of making a potential move to Anfield. It may have also provided a sense of clarity for those already at the club, if Konate's latest comments are anything to go by.
READ MORE: Liverpool have made signing Pep Guardiola cannot compete with even if he buys Erling Haaland
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola sends Jurgen Klopp message and gives sarcastic response to Mohamed Salah award
HAVE YOUR SAY: Send your message to Klopp after contract extension
Discussing the importance of this new deal, the French defender told Liverpoolfc.com : "I think we are all very happy, of course, as players and we’re hoping that we’ll be able to keep this team together for a very long time.
"At the beginning of the season there were also many players who took that step of extending their contracts as well so I think overall, along with the fans, it must be the coach, Jürgen Klopp, himself and his family who are most pleased with extending the contract."
It has been a first season to remember for Konate, who will certainly not have regretted becoming Klopp's only signing of the 2021 summer transfer window. With a quadruple still a real possibility, a special end to the campaign could be around the corner.
Forced to remain patient for first-team minutes, the 22-year-old has seized the recent opportunities to have come his way and scored three goals in as many matches earlier this month. His high-quality performances have not gone unnoticed, however, highlighted by recent chants of 'Ibouuu!' coming from the Anfield faithful.
Asked if he was aware of such recognition coming his way, Konate said: “No! Really? You will have to show me!
“To hear that and to learn that from you, I am a bit embarrassed to be honest! I hadn’t noticed it but thinking about it, it is a dream come true. To have Anfield chanting your name, it’s really a dream come true.
“You will have to show me the footage and I will listen out for it! I don’t want to shed tears on the pitch about it, but it is a big thing.”
