Ibrahima Konate has opened up about the mentality needed to be a part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad.
The 22-year-old has had to bide his time for opportunities at Liverpool since his arrival in the summer, but has still looked impressive across his 17 appearances in all competitions.
Entrusted by Klopp to replace Joel Matip at the start of extra-time in the Carabao Cup final, the former RB Leipzig man helped maintain the team’s clean sheet and converted from the penalty spot in the shootout.
With fierce competition for places, Konate highlighted the performances of Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones against Norwich on Wednesday as perfect examples of the right attitude, after both missed out on the cup final squad.
READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp can unleash new Liverpool midfield as Luis Diaz dilemma emerges
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola advantage over as Jurgen Klopp gets something new at Liverpool
“Imagine, OK you are angry, you are sad, but two days after you have to play and you are not ready in your head and then you do a bad game,” the defender told Liverpoolfc.com. “This would be like you saying to the coach: ‘Yes, I know why I don’t play.’
“You have to be ready every time and if you play [well], you put some problems in the head of the coach and this is good for the group and for you.
“After, if you don’t play, it’s you against you because OK, you will speak with the coach [and ask] why you don’t play and he will explain to you, but this will not change [anything].
“Then you have to fight, you have to work more and if you don’t play you have to think and ask yourself [why].
“If you have the answer to your question, you work on this and this and this, and after your time will be coming. With the work, your time will be coming, for sure.”
Despite Matip showcasing his solid partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk throughout the season, Konate has responded well when called upon and has started the club’s last three games in the Champions League.
Klopp also revealed that the defender had been one of several players to work with the mental strength coaches at neuro11 , ahead of the League Cup Final.
Specialising in helping players at set pieces, Konate took onboard their specific guidance regarding penalties as every Liverpool player scored from 12 yards - much to his delight.
“I think if I start to speak about this, we will not stop!” he said, when asked about the Carabao Cup final.
“It was an unreal, unbelievable weekend for me. My first title in professional football and with Liverpool, it was amazing and great.
“I was very, very happy and I’m happy today also that we have a lot of important games. We have to, not forget, but you have to put this [the final] to one side and we have to keep going for the rest of the season.
“I don’t have the words to describe this moment but I hope I will have a lot of moments like that with the club.”
