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Jamie Carragher has taken to social media to refute claims he “hates” Ibrahima Konate, following his recent criticism of the Liverpool defender.
Konate has struggled in the early weeks of the season and was at least partly culpable for two of the four Premier League goals that Liverpool has conceded so far this campaign. Carragher has been particularly critical of the Frenchman and rounded on him after losing a vital header in the build up to William Osula’s goal at St James’ Park on Monday.
The ex-Liverpool center-back also claimed he “shuddered to think” where Arne Slot’s side would be without Virgil van Dijk in the early weeks of the season after sloppy team displays against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
Speaking this week on Stick to Football podcast, Carragher admitted he “isn’t the biggest fan” of Konate” prompting one supporter to repost the clip and claim the ex-RB Leipzig man is on a list of players Carragher “hates”, while adding Konate was Liverpool’s best center-back for parts of last season.
“He wasn’t!” an irate Carragher responded on X. “I don’t hate him, he’s a very good PL CB playing alongside the best CB the league has ever seen.
“That makes him & the others who have played alongside VVD look 20% better. When I judge top CB’s I think, could they lead & organise a back four? I do have doubts if VVD was out for a period of time that Konate could lead a back four in big games, I’m well aware of his strengths aerially & pace wise.
“I also don’t believe that if Guehi signs he automatically takes Konate’s place.”
Speaking on Monday after the 2-2 draw against Newcastle, Carragher claimed Konate had been “all over the place” in the early weeks of the season.
“I want my center-back to go and win that [challenge for Newcastle’s equalizer]. He was all over the place last week. He is more interested in grabbing his arm. He was really poor in the first half as well. He is not at the races at all.
“At one stage I remember Anthony Gordon winning a header against Konate in the first half and thinking ‘that can’t happen’.”
Konate has retained his place in the French national team despite his slow start to the season, but could face extra competition for places at club level with the potential arrival of Marc Guehi.
The Reds submitted an approach for the Crystal Palace defender on Saturday and negotiations over the exact make up of the deal continue, with a resolution expected before the transfer window shuts on Monday.
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