Ibrahima Konate admits that phone calls with Jurgen Klopp played a role in him signing for Liverpool
In a conversation with Canal+ (h/t Liverpool Echo), Ibrahima Konate agreed that phone calls with Jurgen Klopp had a massive impact on his decision to come to Liverpool.
The Frenchman was the Reds’ major summer signing from RB Leipzig for £36million. It was a decision that turned fruitful for the Reds as the 22-year-old has given good performances whenever he got the opportunity this season.
The 22-years-old player is a big admirer of the Mersyside manager. He accepted that he had a detailed conversation with Klopp over the phone that also included personal matters.
“Jurgen Klopp is, I think, one of the best managers in the world. We spoke a lot on the phone. I asked him personal questions; he did too.”
The former RB Leipzig player went on to say the trust that the German manager reflected over the phone helped him decide to come to Anfield.
Even though he imagined himself playing for the club long before he signed, he knew that the level was going to be far higher. He mentally prepared himself for the challenge and trusted his abilities to perform.
The trust that attracted Ibrahima to Liverpool would be tested as he only got the chance to showcase his abilities for a few occasions. After his debut back in September, he only received three more opportunities, including the big game against rival Manchester United.
Despite the lack of game time, he thinks he has what it takes to succeed at Liverpool. He also suggested that he felt ‘a bit of apprehension’ initially, but the backing from the club and the manager kept him calm.
“When you arrive in such a club, you do so with a bit of apprehension, but if there’s a club ready to put such an amount on you, and the manager is talking to you, making you understand he wants you.”
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The player played a crucial role in keeping the clean sheet against bitter rival Manchester United at Old Trafford. Thus, the Reds’ manager publicly praised his abilities after the game, which boosted the trust.
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He agreed that while playing according to his high line tactics, the back-line leave huge spaces behind. But, as they have such fast centre backs, they don’t face problems. The manager appreciated Ibrahima Konate’s characteristics as he adds to the playing style.
