Nicklas Bendtner has taken aim at one Liverpool player who he accused of being ‘so slow on the ball’ and believes that the Reds would find an upgrade from within the Premier League.

The former Arsenal striker was speaking on the Stolpe Ind podcast when he gave a withering assessment of Ibrahima Konate, with the ex-Denmark international citing his compatriot Joachim Anderson of Crystal Palace as a superior centre-back.

The 36-year-old said of the Eagles defender: “Now, I like to make [a proposal] where we put him in Liverpool’s team instead of Konate. [Konate] is so slow on the ball and has no idea where to play it. There, you can argue for what he is doing there versus the fact that Joachim could play there.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp admits 90-touch Liverpool wizard ran ‘out of gas’ during second half v Atalanta

READ MORE: One moment from £120k-p/w Liverpool player had Steve McManaman’s blood boiling last night

Andersen – who’s lost just once in his four visits to Anfield with Fulham and Palace – was superb for the Eagles in their win away to Liverpool last Sunday, making a whopping 13 clearances for Oliver Glasner’s side (Sofascore).

It comes as no surprise that he ranks among the top 8% of centre-backs in Europe’s five main leagues for that particular metric over the past year, averaging 5.3 per game (FBref).

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Although the Denmark defender is someone we’d certainly welcome if he were to be linked with the Reds, we don’t go along with Bendtner’s criticism of Konate’s use of the ball.

The 24-year-old has the joint-fourth best passing success rate of anyone to start a Premier League match for Liverpool this season (WhoScored), while he’s among the 91st percentile of positional peers in Europe for progressive passes per 90 minutes with 5.54 (FBref).

In a post-Virgil van Dijk world at Anfield, we wouldn’t argue against a possible Andersen-Konate partnership at the back for LFC, but we wouldn’t be tossing the Frenchman out the door just to make way for the Palace defender, despite what Bendtner might say.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Niko Kovac rumours, what if Amorim stays at Sporting? Summer contract calls, Crystal Palace review and much more!

The post ‘Put him in Liverpool’s team’ – Ex-Arsenal striker says EPL ace would be an upgrade on Reds 24y/o appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jurgen Klopp is maybe having his best season in terms of managerial input. He is a humungous difference maker for Liverpool.

The manner in which he’s improved players, trusted youngsters, inspired comebacks and made tactical changes within matches has been the primary reason Liverpool are joint-top of the table and still in Europe with one cup already won.

That’s before mentioning his insanely progressive use of substitutes and how he regularly uses game-changers from the bench.

So, this isn’t really a criticism of the manager. He’s been incredible. He’s the best. And I think he might well ride off into the sunset with another Premier League winner’s medal.

But I do find the games in which he’s picked Ibrahima Konate and Jarrell Quansah over the past month quite strange.

Let’s take a closer look.

Liverpool 3-0 Southampton (FA Cup) – Quansah full game (Virg and Konate half-each)

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Liverpool (PL) – Konate full game

Sparta Prague 1-5 Liverpool (EL) Quansah and Konate share minutes (Konate gets injured)

Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City (PL) Quansah full game

Liverpool 6-1 Sparta Prague (EL) Quansah full game

Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool (FA Cup) Quansah full game

–Konate plays game for France in international break–

LIverpool 2-1 Brighton (PL) Quansah plays full game

LIverpool 3-1 Sheffield United (PL) Konate plays full game

Manchester United 2-2 Liverpool (PL) Quansah plays full game

The way I look at it is, this: you want your best players available and fresh for the biggest, hardest games.

Konate is part of Liverpool’s best XI. He is one of the top defenders on the planet when fit. In fact, the only criticism you can have of him is his availability. So, it’s obvious the manner in which Klopp rotates him in and out of the side is to look after his fitness. After all, Virgil van Dijk plays every game and is looked after much differently.

But since the end of February, Liverpool have failed to win three games, two in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup. Quansah has started in all of them and Konate has not.

Let’s go through it. Against City in the Premier League, Quansah had to play because Konate got 50 minutes on the Thursday night against Sparta Prague and picked up an issue. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but did we really need Konate on the pitch for that game?

He missed the FA Cup game with United due to that same injury, but he still went away with France right after that game and played well over the international break…

But upon his return, Klopp picked Quansah against Brighton and left the on-paper easier Sheffield United game for Konate, meaning he then had to pick Quansah at Old Trafford again as Konate is seemingly not going to play two games in three or four days.

If it were me, I’d have gone Konate versus Brighton and Quansah against Sheffield United, meaning Konate would be fresh for the Old Trafford tie, and Quansah can come in for the Europa League tie this Thursday with Atalanta… This would then mean Konate would be ready for the more important Crystal Palace tie next weekend, and so on.

It’s possible now that Konate plays Atalanta and Quansah gets Palace, which just seems the wrong way round given the priority should be the Premier League.

It’s important to note that Quansah has been exceptional. His mistake against United last time out aside, the 21-year-old has way outperformed expectations. He’s composed and physical and does well alongside van Dijk whenever called upon.

United target our right-side though, as do most big teams, for a few obvious reasons. Firstly. van Dijk is on the left and they want to avoid him. Secondly, there is often space left at right-back when either Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez or Conor Bradley are playing that role inverted or just as a natural attacking fullback.

If I had one criticism of Klopp in this season and perhaps a few that have gone beforehand, it’s an insistence on picking strong teams in dead-rubbers or less important ones before more important ones.

One of Jota’s big injuries a few years back came in a Champions League tie with nothing riding on it. And we’d have beaten Sparta Prague without Konate.

Who knows if we’d have fared better than two draws and one win against United and City if Konate had played. We never will.

But hopefully the Frenchman will at least be fully fit for our most crucial upcoming fixtures. As City and Arsenal will only lose or draw one of their seven games left by my reckoning which means we have to finish perfectly. Old Trafford was the slip-up. No more room for another.

The post Editor’s Column: Klopp’s selection of Konate and Quansah is confusing appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Whatever deity, primal or universal force has guided humanity from humble beginnings to kicking a bag of air about on a pitch has given with both hands when it comes to Ibou Konate.

The Frenchman has it all: Talent, potential, looks, a cracking personality and a sense of humour that has endeared him to millions of Liverpool fans.

The former RB Leipzig defender had goalkeeping coach Claudio Taffarel chuckling with his reaction as Stefan Bajcetic (19) demonstrated his handiness with a basketball.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of LFCTV (via @drwnunez):

ibou is so reactionary mannn pic.twitter.com/IJsi11JquR

— hae (@drwnunez) April 9, 2024

The post (Video) ‘Oh my god’: Konate blown away by what 19-y/o Liverpool player did in training appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Steve Nicol has questioned one big decision from Jurgen Klopp in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United on Sunday.

The Reds boss put his faith in Jarell Quansah to start ahead of Ibrahima Konate in defence, and while the 21-year-old had a decent game overall, unfortunately he was culpable for an error which led to Bruno Fernandes equalising from long range early in the second half.

Speaking on ESPN FC a few hours after the match, Nicol voiced his belief that the manager got it wrong with his choice of centre-back partner for Virgil van Dijk.

He pondered: “Why does he play Quansah today and not Konate? Why? I’ve come to the conclusion that he played Quansah today because I reckon he thinks Quansah is a better passer of the ball.

“That’s the only thing I can come up with, because in terms of experience, this is a big game, and I’d have thought he’d have gone for the experience. You’ve got enough players who are going to be on the ball that you make sure you don’t give anything away.”

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This is very much one of those situations where it’s easy to be wise after the fact. Had Liverpool won and/or Quansah not made that costly mistake for Fernandes’ goal, there’d be no post-match questioning of Klopp’s team selection.

It’s fair to state that, if Konate was fit enough for the bench after his knock against Sheffield United last week, he could’ve been able to start, with his pace and big-game experience perhaps making him the safer option alongside Van Dijk.

When it comes to picking the Reds’ starting XI, though, the German has long since earned our trust. Even the best managers in the business can make decisions which appear foolish in hindsight, and the 21-year-old has largely been excellent since breaking into the first team earlier this season.

You can view Nicol’s comments below (from 4:09), via ESPN FC on YouTube:

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What else can you do after a goal of Alexis Mac Allister’s quality other than simply soak in the moment?

Ibrahima Konate couldn’t help but plaster his hands over his head in disbelief after his Liverpool teammate put the Reds back on top in their tie with Sheffield United.

A stunning moment from an equally stunning footballer.

Has to be the best £35m we’ve spent, surely? Or at the very least up there!

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @teaandchips:

Konate’s reaction to Mac Allister’s goal is so real pic.twitter.com/C2NmLPuql9

— ^ (@teaandchips) April 4, 2024

The post (Video) Konate can only do one thing after Alexis Mac Allister’s wonder goal vs Sheffield United appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

There might be another five days to go before Liverpool resume their Premier League campaign, but Reds fans could be kept busy tonight with a host of Reds players set to represent their countries.

No fewer than 13 members of Jurgen Klopp’s squad could be in action over the next 12 hours or so, with most partaking in friendlies but one hoping to punch a ticket to a major tournament this summer.

We’ve looked at the baker’s dozen of LFC players who’ll be on international duty this evening and tonight, picking out a series of compelling narratives involving a few of those set to take to the pitch for their country.

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Could Kostas be off to Germany?

At 5pm UK time, Georgia and Greece face off in Tbilisi, with both hoping to become the 22nd team to secure a place at Euro 2024.

Kostas Tsimikas will be in action for the visitors as he seeks a first major tournament appearance for his country, who last played on the big stage in the World Cup in Brazil a decade ago.

Should the Greeks qualify this evening, the Liverpool left-back could find himself up against clubmate Diogo Jota in the summer, as the winners of this match join Portugal, Turkey and Czechia in Group F at the finals in June.

READ MORE: Liverpool eyeing move for German prodigy; has one thing in common with 3 Reds youngsters

Another chance for Elliott to fill his boots…and finally get the nod from Southgate?

Harvey Elliott quite enjoyed his most recent outing with England’s under-21s, scoring twice in their 5-1 win away to Azerbaijan last Friday, which took them a step closer to qualification for the European finals in 2025 as they seek to retain the trophy.

The Liverpool gem will fancy his chances of adding to his international tally tonight as Lee Carsley’s side host Luxembourg, which could present an opportunity for another convincing victory.

If the 20-year-old nets another brace and continues his fine form at club level, he’ll surely become impossible for Gareth Southgate to ignore when selecting the Three Lions squad for Euro 2024 – or so you’d like to think.

Friendship set aside for a couple of hours

Conor Bradley spoke glowingly about the helpful advice he’s been receiving from fellow Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson, although their friendship and camaraderie will be put to one side for a couple of hours tonight.

The elder of the two will be on the home side as Scotland continue their preparations for Euro 2024 against Northern Ireland, with the young right-back set to win his 15th senior cap – nearly as many games as he’s played for the Reds’ first team.

We know that both men will be fully committed once they cross the white line – just go easy on each other if you find yourself duelling, lads!

READ MORE: Liverpool fans may be despairing over news that’s been confirmed today for Brighton clash

Could Liverpool duo be facing their next club boss?

We still don’t know who’ll be in charge of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo at Liverpool next season, although one man who’s been touted as a possible successor to Klopp will be hoping to get one over on the Reds duo tonight.

Netherlands are in Frankfurt to take on Germany, who of course are under the stewardship of Julian Nagelsmann.

The ex-Bayern Munich manager has been touted among the contenders to potentially replace his fellow countryman in the Anfield dugout – will LFC’s Dutchmen be about to come up against their future boss?

A nervous night awaits by the Mediterranean

From a potential future Liverpool manager to the current one…Klopp will be crossing his fingers that all of his players come through the night unscathed, and he may be keeping an especially nervous eye on one man in particular.

Ibrahima Konate missed the Reds’ last three matches with a hamstring injury, although it’s been reported that he’s set to feature for France in their game against Chile in Marseille (Daily Mail).

His club boss won’t be overly keen on seeing the 24-year-old lining out in an international friendly so soon after being sidelined, and with a hectic and pivotal run-in to the season just around the corner.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

The post Captain v future boss? – 5 things to look out for among Liverpool players on international duty tonight appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jayden Danns has admitted it’s ‘mental’ to be around Ibrahima Konate in the first-team at Liverpool.

The Englishman admitted he’s still a little overawed looking at the former RB Leipzig centre-half.

“To be fair, all of them have been brilliant to me. I mean, they’ve been really welcoming, but I’d say Ibou [Konate] has probably been the biggest one,” the 18-year-old told the club’s official website.

“He’s so bubbly as a character, you can’t describe him as a personality, you go up there and he is like: ‘Dannsy!’

“It’s mental, to be honest, and I’m looking at him still thinking he’s like a film character because I’ve watched him all these years! When he’s putting his arm around you, you just feel at home.”

The forward has enjoyed an impressive start to life as a Red. He was voted the player of the match with his goalscoring performance against Southampton in the FA Cup in late February.

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READ MORE: Next Liverpool manager: Jayden Danns hints how LFC squad would feel about Lijnders replacing Klopp

READ MORE: Not Alonso: Bayern insider confirms ‘contact’ with 44-y/o manager Liverpool & Hughes admire

Liverpool deserve credit for youth set-up

No matter who Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards opt to bring in as the next manager of Liverpool, they will inherit a world-class structure.

The first-team squad is young, extremely talented and supported by a class of remarkable young talent from the Academy.

Whilst the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Vitor Matos have to be credited with ensuring pathways to the first-team, the roles of the likes of Alex Inglethorpe, Barry Lewtas and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson can’t be forgotten.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards and a multi-club model, Alonso’s Liverpool-esque moment and much more!

The post Jayden Danns drops ‘mental’ claim about 24-y/o Liverpool player fans will love appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

One Liverpool player appears to be nearing a return to full fitness, although the image of him in training may simultaneously please and annoy Jurgen Klopp.

On Tuesday morning, Anfield Football on X shared a photo of Ibrahima Konate on the grass as he gears up for France’s friendly fixtures against Germany and Chile over the next week.

The 24-year-old has missed the Reds’ last three matches due to a thigh injury, unable to even make the bench for the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United just two days ago (Transfermarkt), but here he is on the training ground with his national team.

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Our number 5 can’t be blamed for wanting to represent his country, something which is an honour for any footballer, although Klopp may be wondering why Didier Deschamps called up the defender so soon after being ruled out injured for his club.

Liverpool fans must be asking the same thing, but at least Konate’s return to training indicates that, if he can come through the international break unscathed, he’ll be raring to go for the post-Easter run-in, beginning with Brighton’s visit to Anfield on 31 March.

You can view the image of Konate in France training below, via @AnfieldFootball on X:

Ibrahima Konate training with the French national team pic.twitter.com/K2JTKxI9i7

— Anfield Football (@AnfieldFootball) March 19, 2024

The post (Image) Training ground photo featuring Liverpool player may simultaneously please and anger Klopp appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

There’s not always bad news on the injury front as far as Liverpool are concerned.

The commentating on TNT Sports during the Reds’ 5-1 trouncing of Sparta Prague in the Europa League, however, stoked fears of a potential Joe Gomez injury after the Englishman was hooked at half-time.

Jurgen Klopp thankfully confirmed the ex-Charlton Athletic prospect, via a tweet on X from Ian Doyle, ‘is fine’.

Klopp on injuries: Joe is fine, Ibou I don't know. Ibou was rather positive last night, thought he made the right decision in the right moment. That doesn't mean a lot, unfortunately. We don't have the results of the scan yet. All the others are fine

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) March 8, 2024

It’s comforting news given the Reds could be without Ibrahima Konate on Sunday. The club is awaiting the results of a scan to reveal further details.

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READ MORE: Haaland says he thinks one Liverpool player’s an absolute ‘monster’ ahead of Man City showdown

READ MORE: Liverpool debutant fans may have missed v Sparta really took his chance

Liverpool have options in the backline

Just to think there were serious doubts over whether Gomez would still be a Liverpool player going into the 2023/24 campaign.

His remarkable versatility this term, which has lent itself recently to the holding six role, proves he shouldn’t be going anywhere near the exit door any time soon.

Likewise, the rise of young Conor Bradley at right-back means we can set up our backline with a variety of combinations should the need arise.

Fingers-crossed Konate is given the all-clear to feature against Manchester City.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

The post Klopp addresses another injury concern after Konate amid scan results wait appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Jurgen Klopp remains unsure whether Ibrahima Konate will be available to face Manchester City at Anfield this weekend.

In comments relayed on X (formerly Twitter) by Ian Doyle and David Lynch, the 56-year-old admitted that the club has yet to receive the results of a scan on the player’s injury concern picked up against Sparta Prague.

Klopp on injuries: Joe is fine, Ibou I don't know. Ibou was rather positive last night, thought he made the right decision in the right moment. That doesn't mean a lot, unfortunately. We don't have the results of the scan yet. All the others are fine

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) March 8, 2024

Jurgen Klopp says he doesn't yet know about whether Ibrahima Konate will be fit to face Manchester City.

— David Lynch (@dmlynchlfc) March 8, 2024

The Frenchman was seen pulling up with what appeared to be a muscle injury during the Reds’ 5-1 thrashing of their Europa League opponents in Prague.

FOLLOW Empire of the Kop on Instagram (@empireofthekop) HERE

READ MORE: Haaland says he thinks one Liverpool player’s an absolute ‘monster’ ahead of Man City showdown

READ MORE: Liverpool debutant fans may have missed v Sparta really took his chance

Encouraging but not certain

So… you’re saying there’s a chance?

As Dominik Szoboszlai has taught us, how a player feels about their body’s capabilities in the moments can be massively at odds with the medical department’s verdict.

At the very least, however, it’s a hopeful update from the manager and player that opens up the possibility of a part to play against the Premier League holders.

Otherwise, it looks like one of Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah – both of whom have been exceptional this term – could be stepping into the 24-year-old’s shoes.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

The post Klopp issues very honest Konate injury update ahead of Man City visit appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool fans may face a nervy wait over Ibrahima Konate’s potential availability for Manchester City at the weekend.

Updates from Paul Gorst and Danny Jamieson on X (formerly Twitter), relaying Jurgen Klopp’s post-match thoughts, clarified that the injury affecting the Frenchman may not be as severe as first feared.

Klopp on Konate: "Ibou said to me 'if I do another sprint, it could be set'. Should be fine but we don't know, Joe Gomez is fine, played a lot, rotation. So let's see with Ibou."

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) March 7, 2024

Jürgen Klopp tells me post match that Ibrahima Konaté’s substitution was precautionary – ‘he said if he carried on it may be a problem so we will see [for Sunday]’#LFC #UEL @footballontnt pic.twitter.com/XiOpWvLPxy

— Danny Jamieson (@DannyJamieson) March 7, 2024

The former RB Leipzig centre-half had pulled up after chasing a ball, raising fears over a potentially serious concern days before Pep Guardiola’s men pay a visit.

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READ MORE: Liverpool hit with potentially devastating muscle injury blow; could miss Man City tie

READ MORE: Forget Nunez: One Liverpool teammate had an even better first-half & dominated Sparta Prague

Liverpool may have gotten away with one

No one release that sigh of relief just yet…

It’s a very good sign for Konate, but we have a feeling the defender is not quite out of the woods just yet.

The medical team will, naturally, have their say on the No.5’s fitness levels ahead of one of the most demanding fixtures on the calendar.

We desperately hope they’ll rule him fit after conducting further tests, but it’s just not clear enough at this point in time.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield and much more!

The post “Ibou said to me”: Klopp just weighed in on severity of Konate’s injury days before Man City clash appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Neil Jones has singled out one ‘outstanding’ Liverpool player for playing ‘a big part’ in the Reds’ Premier League title charge.

There have been tremendous performers right throughout Jurgen Klopp’s squad, and a few of those have been in defence, including a certain Frenchman.

Speaking to EOTK Insider, the journalist stated: “Ibrahima Konate has been having a great season since December. I look back to that Arsenal game before Christmas and he was definitely the star man that day. Since then, his form has been outstanding!”

Jones continued: “Liverpool’s defensive record is excellent. They have the second-best defensive record in the league with only 25 goals conceded this season (only Arsenal have conceded fewer), which tells you that the team is strong and the defenders and ‘keeper have been doing a good job.

“Konate’s been a big part of that, certainly in the last three or four months. It doesn’t surprise me, because we all know what a good player he is. I think the best thing is that he’s fit and available and able to put those performances in on a consistent basis.”

READ MORE: Journalist expects Liverpool ace to be in demand this summer; could be nearing decision on future

READ MORE: ‘If I was guessing…’ – Journalist forecasts whether Liverpool stalwart will renew Reds contract

In the absence of Joel Matip through long-term injury, and with Joe Gomez frequently being asked to deputise in other positions, Konate has established himself as the preferred centre-back partner to Virgil van Dijk with aplomb.

The colossal Frenchman has used his height to great advantage, winning 3.2 aerial duels per game (WhoScored), while only two other Liverpool players have won more tackles in the Premier League this season than his 19 (FBref).

Performances such as the one he gave in the 4-0 win at Bournemouth in January – when he won no fewer than 12 duels (Sofascore) – illustrate what an imperious man mountain he’s become at the back for Klopp’s side.

There has been no shortage of line-up changes in recent weeks amid the overflowing injury crisis at Anfield, but Konate has been a very welcome constant in the team, and he’s stepped up by delivering consistently excellent displays.

If he can avoid any major injuries, the 24-year-old could well become Liverpool’s defensive leader in the long-term once Van Dijk eventually departs.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Michael Edwards’ future, Liverpool contract latest, Musiala to Anfield? One Liverpool star has come alive in last three months and much more!

The post ‘Outstanding’ – Neil Jones wowed by Liverpool colossus who’s been ‘a big part of’ title charge appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Before we begin an unnecessary witchhunt against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, it’s important to bear in mind a few other facts about the officiating that took place.

As James Pearce rightly noted on the contentious decision itself: “So much happened after [Caoimhin] Kelleher restarted the game and before the goal.”

Those suggesting that Paul Tierney – for goodness sake, actually repeat the referee’s name out loud five times  – was tilted towards the Reds might need to give their head a good old wobble.

We’re talking about the same official Klopp has expressed concern about for quite some time now. The very sight of the 43-year-old’s name on our fixtures sets hairs on end.

The decisions that didn’t go Liverpool’s way

The failure to penalise a high boot on Ibrahima Konate, for one, is pretty poor on its own. Remember the failure to penalise Danilo after dragging down Jayden Danns in the Forest box?

If anything, Nottingham Forest got off lightly with the officiating at the City Ground.

You can catch the image and clip below, courtesy of James Pearce’s X account and LFCTV:

So much happened after Kelleher restarted the game and before the goal.
Forest should be more angry with Hudson-Odoi/Awoniyi for trying to dribble the ball out of their own box just before Mac Allister’s cross.
Plus Tierney missed high boot on Konate when defender went down. pic.twitter.com/1V3kTAORSt

— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 2, 2024

Top left of the screen as the ball swings in. Didn't show a closer angle but if you pause you can see Danilo with both his hands wrapped around Danns. pic.twitter.com/wzTIqAfN79

— Owen (@LFCOwen96) March 2, 2024

The post (Images) What happened to Konate & Danns amid Forest furore should shock fans more than goal controversy appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool have yet to open the scoring at the City Ground, but the good news is that neither have Nottingham Forest.

The Reds owe that reality in large part to the defensive efforts of Frenchman Ibrahima Konate in the first-half of action.

Stats originating from Sofascore have truly showcased the former RB Leipzig star’s world-class quality.

Ibou Konate has been defensively imperious vs Nottingham Forest #LFC

50 touches
93% pass completion (39/42)
2/4 long balls completed
4/4 ground duels won
1/1 aerial duel won
3 tackles
2 clearances
1 interception pic.twitter.com/SjR2hd6HVn

— Farrell Keeling (@farrellkeeling) March 2, 2024

READ MORE: Journo says Liverpool starter is lacking key trait Jayden Danns can offer right now

READ MORE: ‘Just amazing’: Micah Richards really impressed with 18-y/o LFC player; thinks he’s some talent

No Alisson? No problem!

There was some pretty hefty criticism for Virgil van Dijk and Co. last term, with many seeming to forget about the increased pressure on the Dutchman amid a near total lack of protection from the midfield.

With Alisson Becker set to be unavailable for an extended period of time, you could understand concerns rising ahead of key meeting with Manchester City this month.

We need not necessarily fear given Caoimhin Kelleher’s form of late.

Even less so when you consider the quality of Konate and our No.4 ahead of the Irishman.

� EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: Klopp’s successor in the Portuguese league? FSG must learn from one summer transfer and much more!

The post Insane: Liverpool’s 50-touch pass master was a defensive colossus v Nott Forest in first-half appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Ibrahima Konate might be the most accident-prone footballer in the Liverpool squad.

The Frenchman was spotted causing some very minor damage to Wembley Stadium during celebrations ahead of the Carabao Cup trophy lift at the weekend.

Footage shared on X shows the former RB Leipzig centre-half looking around sheepishly to see if anyone noticed at the time.

Don’t worry, Ibou – it doesn’t look particularly expensive!

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of the BBC (via @malzchive):

look at him tryna look around if anyone saw lool https://t.co/boeEFKlQg2 pic.twitter.com/bVayVkXlrI

— #endohive (@malzchive) February 27, 2024

The post (Video) Hilarious: Ibou Konate accidentally damages Wembley ceiling during Carabao celebrations appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.