Liverpool fans spot Ibrahima Konate boost after France's defeat

France's 2-1 Euro 2024 semi-final defeat at the hands of Spain has been greatly received by some Liverpool supporters on social media.

Despite taking the lead through Randal Kolo Muani, Les Bleus were pegged back thanks to a wonderstrike from talented youngster Lamine Yamal and had no response to Dani Olmo's strike which ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.

So as Spain await the winner of England vs Netherlands for Sunday's final, France are heading home earlier than they would have liked.

Their exit means Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate didn't play a single minute at the tournament - which is somewhat of a surprise given how much of a prominent figure he was at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Nevertheless, some supporters are of the opinion that a lack of game time for the centre-back can only be a positive for the Merseyside outfit ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

For example, taking to X (formerly Twitter), @SmashvegasFC said: "Good news. He'll be fully fit for the beginning of EPL season", @nosoygalgadot said: "On the bright side, he was not exposed to an injury" and @k10kuttikar said: "Couldn’t care less, good that he’s getting that break to recover."

Konate's fitness issues

Granted, Konate may be well rested following Euro 2024 but it's worth remembering he's not played a lot of football over the past couple of months as he started just one of Liverpool’s final Premier League matches last season.

Furthermore, he did appear to hint at not being at 100% during the aforementioned tournament.

"I came with a lot of expectations, that's part of football,” he said ahead of France’s Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Belgium last month.

"I knew what my place was before the first match. It's frustrating but I know my role on and off the field. A 100% 'Ibou' would never have sat on the bench.

"I didn't play for a month and a half. But I prepared, and I almost passed out more than once. The preparation was very short. It's part of football. It was a good lesson for me."