Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has revealed that a series of personal tragedies played a major role in his struggles during the 2025/26 season, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of his life both professionally and personally.
The French centre-back featured prominently for Liverpool, making 51 appearances, including 49 starts, but found it difficult to maintain the performance levels that had marked his previous campaigns. Liverpool ended the season in fifth place in the Premier League.
Konaté, who has represented France 27 times at senior level, remains in the plans of national team coach Didier Deschamps as Les Bleus continue preparations for the World Cup.
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
Speaking about the season, as reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, the defender said a succession of personal losses took a heavy emotional toll on him and affected his ability to recover mentally.
ALSO READ
- Transfer Talk: Real Madrid target 4 defenders, United land Éderson, Hojlund joins Napoli
- Most Successful NPFL Team: Rangers players to receive N100m, land each after 9th NPFL title
- Leclerc commits future to Ferrari
“There was never a moment when I felt like I was on the mend.
“All of these tragic events happened so quickly and as soon as I felt like I was getting my head above water, something else happened,” he said.
Despite the emotional challenges, Konaté said he drew strength from the support he received from Liverpool supporters, his teammates and his family, while also recognising the need to push forward for the sake of the team.
“I had the support of all these fans, who are exceptional at Liverpool, my team-mates and especially my family but I also had to learn how to get back on my feet on my own because the team needed me more than ever and I know that my father would have wanted me to get back,” he stressed.
⚽ Football Scores & Standings
Premier League Scores | Premier League Table | Live Scores | League Tables
