Liverpool defender under fire after Nations League collapse

Yahoo

2 days ago

Ibrahima Konaté Falters on International Stage as France Crumble to Spain
Liverpool defender struggles in 5-4 defeat, drawing scathing reviews from French media
As the Premier League season fades into the rear-view mirror and many players sink into summer mode, the international calendar continues to serve up high-stakes fixtures—and for Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté, Thursday night in Stuttgart was a brutal reminder that reputations are fragile and form is fleeting.
Spain Expose France—and Konaté
Tasked with anchoring France's defence in a UEFA Nations League semi-final against reigning European champions Spain, Konaté endured a torrid evening. Despite the final scoreline reading 5-4, a late flurry from Les Bleus papered over what had been, for long stretches, a harrowing performance.
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France were 5-1 down with 11 minutes left. The comeback, spirited though it was, came too late to mask the defensive disarray that had preceded it.
At the centre of that collapse stood Konaté. Handed a rare starting opportunity in the absence of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, the Liverpool centre-back was expected to lead from the back. Instead, his display became a focal point for criticism back home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlLyIDJp0tU
French Media Slam Konaté's Performance
Respected outlet RMC Sport delivered a damning verdict: 2 out of 10. The 26-year-old was lambasted for his role in Mikel Oyarzabal's opening goal and accused of 'suffering greatly' as the Spanish attack ran riot.
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He 'was not the leader we know,' the outlet added, pointing to a lack of authority alongside Clément Lenglet and a tendency to gift possession in dangerous areas.
Foot Mercato echoed those sentiments, also awarding Konaté a 2/10 rating. A 'solid start' quickly unravelled into a 'collapse,' with the defender reportedly 'trembling' in the face of Spanish pressure and unable to bring calm to a crumbling backline.
A Missed Opportunity in More Ways Than One
For Konaté, this was more than just a bad night—it was a missed opportunity to solidify his standing in Didier Deschamps' plans ahead of Euro 2028. While he is frequently called up, he remains behind Saliba and Upamecano in the pecking order. Thursday was supposed to be a statement; instead, it may be remembered as a setback.
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It could also complicate matters at club level. Liverpool are currently locked in contract talks with the defender, who is reportedly seeking a substantial wage increase. While one match does not define a career, such high-profile errors under the spotlight won't help his bargaining position.
Third-Place Playoff Now the Consolation Prize
Now, Konaté will face club teammate Florian Wirtz and Germany in Sunday's third-place playoff—a somewhat hollow consolation given both nations had eyes on the final.
As Liverpool's players scatter across the globe for summer duty, Konaté's difficult night stands out. While others soak up plaudits or sunshine, the Frenchman is left facing questions—both from his national selectors and his club negotiators.