Ibrahima Konate reveals what Arne Slot did immediately after Liverpool star's dad died

Ibrahima Konate made an emotional return to Liverpool's side on Saturday as he scored in his first game back against Newcastle following the death of his father

Ibrahima Konate celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)

Arne Slot told Ibrahima Konate not to rush back to Liverpool following the death of the defender’s father.

Konate made his return from compassionate leave on Saturday as he returned to the line-up to face Newcastle, and he made quite the impact as he scored in a 4-1 win at Anfield.

The 26-year-old was visibly emotional as he celebrated with his teammates, having been embraced by Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker after rounding off the scoring. Konate had missed Liverpool’s previous three games following the passing of his father, and had been expected to link back up with his teammates after the Newcastle game.

However, with the Reds struggling with injuries after Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez added to their worries over the past week, Konate made the decision to return to Merseyside early.

Speaking to TNT Sports after the win over Newcastle, Konate said: "For sure I am very happy.

“I don't have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for me and my family the last two weeks, but this is part of life. It is hard to accept that and we don't have the choice.

Ibrahima Konate spoke with Arne Slot following the death of his father(Image: Getty Images)

"I know that the team had some injured players, and the manager on the call said to take my time and I don't have to rush back. With this situation [injuries] it was important for me to come back and help the team.

“I did today with the team at Anfield, the atmosphere was incredible today, and this is what we need until the end of the season."

Saturday’s victory was Liverpool’s first in six league games, although it wasn’t quite enough to lift the Reds back into the Premier League’s top four, with Chelsea having beaten West Ham just hours beforehand.

With Manchester United playing on Sunday, Liverpool could find itself back in sixth by the end of the weekend, although the win over the Magpies will offer a lot more encouragement after the recent disappointment of picking up just four points from five games.

"We have to take game after game,” Konate added.

“For me, we are always the best team on the pitch but we maybe concede too many goals or don't score enough, but today we did very well and we have to take next game after next game."