Arne Slot reveals selfless Ibrahima Konate decision before emotional win vs. Newcastle

The defender scored the final goal on the night after returning to the team following the passing of his father in France. Konate was surrounded by his teammates in a poignant moment at Anfield

Arne Slot has revealed Ibrahima Konate chose to return early from his compassionate leave following the death of his father

Arne Slot has revealed Ibrahima Konate chose to cut short his compassionate leave to ensure he was available to face Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Liverpool defender missed the three previous games following the sad passing of his father in France, and Konate was originally due to return at the end of this week. But speaking after the 4-1 win over the Magpies, in which the Frenchman scored an emotional final goal, Slot said he was originally not due to be involved.

But with the Reds lacking defensive options due to injuries to Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez in the last week, Konate decided to return ahead of schedule. Had he not, one of Ryan Gravenberch or Wataru Endo would likely have started in the back four.

“He had a very difficult two weeks and probably still has a difficult time,” explained the Liverpool head coach.

“We spoke at the end of last week when he said he was planning to be back for the end of this week and it would have meant he could not play this game, but when he saw the problems we had defensively, he called me early this week and said: ‘I want to be back to help the team against Newcastle.’

“He came back on Wednesday and trained twice with us. Today, not only he scored a goal, but he played a great game and the fans were really appreciative throughout the whole game, but definitely at the end when he scored, and his teammates were just as appreciative when he came in the dressing room after the final whistle.”

Konate scored a poignant goal for Liverpool against Newcastle, following the death of his father(Image: Getty Images)

There were emotional scenes at the end of the game, when Konate bundled the ball home from a corner. He ran towards a jubilant Kop and appeared to hold back tears, before being surrounded by his team-mates. Alisson even ran all the way from his own goal to congratulate the 26-year-old.

Konate’s name boomed around the stadium in the aftermath of the goal, and then again at full-time. The Frenchman was met with a similar reception faced when he entered the dressing room after full-time.

“He and Florian [Wirtz] had an interview after the game, so we are all waiting for the last two to come in and then when he came in, everyone was cheering for the both of them, but definitely for Ibou,” said Slot.

“It is very nice for him to score a goal when he has had such a difficult time and I think this team has shown we are always there for each other in difficult circumstances - that’s what they were for him in the last few days. That’s why they were so happy that he managed to score.”

Alisson ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with Konate(Image: TNT Sports)

Konate’s goal concluded what was an impressive display from Liverpool, with the Reds coming from behind to win a Premier League game for the first time since April last year.

Anthony Gordon handed Newcastle a first-half advantage before Hugo Ekitike’s quickfire brace ensured Liverpool went in at half-time in the lead.

Florian Wirtz then converted from Mohamed Salah’s well-weighted pass, with Konate netting a fourth in injury time as Liverpool moved back up to fifth in the table.