Liverpool star dismisses exit rumours with plan to win over new manager

In a recent interview with France TV Info, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate discussed his own future at the club in light of the impending departure of manager Jurgen Klopp, the man who brought him to the club in 2021.

Reflecting on his time at Liverpool and the imminent managerial change, the France international was unequivocal: "Liverpool is Liverpool."

"Klopp was the one who came looking for me and got me to the level I’m at today [but] It will always be a legendary, exceptional club."

Collective uncertainty

That said, the Frenchman also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Klopp's successor and its potential impact on the club going forward.

He admitted: "Everyone is apprehensive, and every player is aware of that. Who will the new manager be? Will things go well, both collectively and individually?"

However, he was optimistic that the outcome would be positive: "Liverpool will do the work, and with what I’m doing on the pitch today, there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work out."

New deal in the pipeline

Despite the impending managerial change and long-standing links to Paris Saint-Germain, Konate's focus remains firmly on delivering on the pitch for Liverpool.

In fact, it was reported in December that Liverpool had started initial talks over a new contract.

According to Le 10 Sport, talks are currently under way with the club's management over a renewal. However, because his current deal still has plenty of time to run, there's no "urgency". That said, it's hoped that an agreement over a new deal can be reached before the end of the current season.

Since his high-profile £36 million move from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has swiftly cemented his place as one of the Premier League's top centre-backs, forming a formidable partnership with Virgil Van Dijk.

He has amassed an impressive 85 appearances for the Reds, contributing three goals and two assists.