Ibrahima Konate puts pressure on Arne Slot after PSG — 'Work of the manager'

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate spoke after the Reds were beaten 2-0 by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg on Wednesday

Ibrahima Konate says "this is the work of the manager"(Image: Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate has shared his thoughts on Liverpool's Champions League quarterfinal first-leg defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, as the Reds prepare for next week's pivotal second leg at Anfield.

Liverpool fell to a 2-0 loss at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia netting in either half. The result will only intensify the scrutiny on Reds manager Arne Slot, who has endured considerable criticism throughout a turbulent campaign, with the Premier League team having won just two of its last eight matches across all competitions.

Slot opted to shift to a three-center-back system, effectively deploying five defenders and frequently a sixth when Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister dropped deeper. Konate believes it's now up to Slot to assess where improvements can be made.

Speaking in the aftermath, the French defender acknowledged: "What do I think of the result tonight? For sure, I'm not happy.

"I know we have another game at Anfield, it's our home, anything can happen there, and we have to make sure we are ready for the game on Saturday.

"After we're going to think more about that game against PSG. I think PSG, like last season, [are] one of the best teams in the world. They show it again today.

Konate and Liverpool lost to PSG on Wednesday(Image: Getty Images)

"It was tough for us to find a solution to find the target, but this is the work of the manager now to see what we can improve, what we can change for the game at home, and we will see."

The France international also called on the Premier League to provide greater backing to clubs participating in the Champions League, highlighting that PSG had its Ligue 1 clash against Lens rescheduled ahead of their European fixture.

"I think this has [happened] to times in a row because last season, it was the same," Konate added. "I wish we had the same thing in the Premier League, but it's completely different.

"In a way, I'm happy for them because it's good for them, and I think the league helps them to reach something in the Champions League.

"I'm hoping the Premier League will do the same in the future or why not this season for the teams who play in the Champions League as well, you know?"

The second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday, with the Reds looking to overturn the deficit, while Mohamed Salah, who was kept on the bench in Paris, will be eager to feature.

The Champions League remains Liverpool's sole opportunity for trophy glory this campaign, following its crushing 4-0 FA Cup quarterfinal elimination at the hands of Manchester City at the weekend.

Their Premier League challenge has similarly stuttered, with the Reds failing to replicate the form that characterized Slot's remarkable debut season, which culminated in lifting the league title.