Jamie Carragher singles out Liverpool star for criticism after Man City defeat

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Jamie Carragher has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté after the Reds' 3-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The French international struggled badly at the Etihad Stadium, with his mistakes contributing to both a penalty and Erling Haaland's opening goal. The Reds currently sit eighth in the Premier League table following Arne Slot's side's fifth league defeat of the campaign, with their title challenge fading after dropping further points behind Arsenal and Manchester City.

Liverpool heads into the international break trailing the likes of Chelsea, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Manchester United, with Nottingham Forest next up after the break.

Konaté has already come under fire this season for several underwhelming displays, particularly from Carragher who has been vocal about the defender's performances throughout the year.

However, the former Liverpool centre-back has once again highlighted Konaté's involvement in City's breakthrough goal.

Haaland opened the scoring after Konaté's attempted clearance ricocheted off the Norwegian striker before sailing over Giorgi Mamardashvili.

Carragher believes the 26 year old is experiencing a dip in form during away fixtures and questioned the defender's judgement in failing to deal with the threat.

 (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool stand dejected following Manchester City's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium on November 09, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool was shocking in Sunday's defeat against Man City

"I just want to look at this match up in the middle between Konate and Haaland. Konate was heavily involved in the penalty again, he's having a really tough time and it feels like we're saying it week after week," he said.

"It's a bit of luck for Man City because Haaland doesn't know much about it. Look at Haaland's jump compared to Konate, he's trying to flick the ball on and as a defender, that's a last resort.

"He's not even off the ground and he's trying to flick it on, go and get as high as you can and head that ball away.

"I don't understand at all what he's trying to do. Konate, again, when Liverpool concede a goal or a problem, he is at the heart of it.

"He's got a big problem away from home, which is when you need your centre backs, your centre backs need to play well to get results and too many times he's gone missing."

Konate continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield, with rumors suggesting he is set to follow in Trent Alexander-Arnold's footsteps and depart for Real Madrid.

The center-back is in the last year of his contract at Anfield and there's no indication he'll sign a new deal.

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