Konaté offered to make early Liverpool return after father's death, Slot reveals

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has revealed that he was on the verge of making an early return from compassionate leave after the death of his father when he spotted Liverpool's defensive crisis. The French centre-back had initially returned to the club after three matches due to family reasons, but decided to come back into action despite planning to be out until the end of the week.

On Wednesday, Konaté trained twice with the team before scoring a crucial goal in their 4-1 comeback win against Newcastle United. His decision to rush back was motivated by his desire to help the team overcome their defensive struggles, which had been mounting since Liverpool's last loss.

Konaté's teammate Hugo Ekitiké also came under praise for his outstanding performance, with slot hailing him as 'special' and 'fast'. The German midfielder scored two goals in the match, showcasing his exceptional skill on the pitch. Slot praised Ekitiké's improvement in terms of work rate off the ball.

The win leaves Liverpool 10 points clear of Newcastle United in the fight for Champions League places. However, manager Eddie Howe has vowed to focus on defensive improvements, after conceding four goals against the team that tried to sign him last summer.

just imagine being a Liverpool defender with the weight of the world on your shoulders Konaté's story is like something out of a movie, from being on compassionate leave because of his dad's passing to then wanting to jump back into action to save his team's season it shows how much he cares about those around him and not just himself. and can you believe Ekitiké just got praised by slot for having 'special' skills? that dude is on fire right now and yeah, the win against Newcastle was huge, but I think Liverpool should focus on their defense because 4 goals conceded in a single match is no joke

dunno how I feel about this tbh Konaté was meant to be back out till week's end but he rushed back to help the lads and scored a crucial goal! think it was good of him tho, but also kinda worried that he might be pushing himself too hard Ekitiké's performance was lit though!!! he looked like a whole different player compared to when I first saw him play

OMG what's goin on at Anfield?! Konaté comin back from compassionate leave and makin a huge impact! The lad's got heart and he's not afraid to put his head down for the team . And Ekitiké's just pure magic, slot was right with his praise . I mean we all know how tough the Premier League is but Liverpool's defense has been lookin shaky lately... Konaté's return gives me hope they can turn it around . Eddie Howe gotta keep focus on those defensive improvements or they'll be sleepwalkin to 4th place .

I'm loving how Konaté stepped up and saved the day! He's always been a solid defender, but this shows he's got some fight in him too I mean, who needs family leave when you can save your team from losing? Seriously though, it's awesome to see him take responsibility like that. And Ekitiké just showed off his skills, what a midfielder! His work rate is insane, that guy's got some serious hustle . The win's great and all, but we gotta keep working on those defensive issues or else they'll catch up with us . Howe's right to focus on it, after all that was conceded against Newcastle, it's a big concern .

omg like seriously cant believe konaté rushed back from compassionate leave and now hes scoring crucial goals again lol but at the same time like i get it he wants to help the team overcome their defensive struggles weve seen them getting smashed so many times lately its crazy how much of a difference one player can make in a game anyway ekitikés performance was insane 2 goals and slot saying hes special fast is no joke now ive got my hopes up for liverpool making it into the champions league

I think Konaté is a total legend mate . I mean, he was literally meant to take it easy because of his dad's passing but then he spots the team struggling and he just goes back in there like a boss . His display against Newcastle was top notch – that goal of his was pure class . And Ekitiké is on another level right now . The way Slot raved about him, it's clear he's been working hard to improve his game . Liverpool are looking good for a Champions League spot and Konaté's return has definitely given them a boost .

I'm not entirely sure I buy this story . Ibrahima Konaté just so happens to be back in action after his dad passes away? That's a pretty convenient timeline, if you ask me . And what about the defensive crisis that supposedly prompted him to rush back? Was it really that critical? Seems like Liverpool is just trying to spin this as a heroic return by Konaté rather than acknowledging some deeper issues with their defense . Also, Hugo Ekitiké being 'special' and 'fast'? Has the media been too hasty in praising him already? Need some actual stats or footage to back up those claims .

I'm thinking, yeah... Konaté's decision to come back from compassionate leave was a big one . I mean, you can feel for the guy having lost his dad and all . But at the same time, it's not like Liverpool's defense was exactly rock-solid before he came back ️. And honestly, I think Konaté made the right call - they needed a boost and he delivered ! Ekitiké's performance was insane too! He's been improving so much and it's awesome to see him shining in big games . Can't wait to see how Liverpool keep pushing for those Champions League spots !

Yooo I'm loving this comeback by Konaté ! He's like the ultimate team player, putting the squad before himself when it really matters. And can we talk about Ekitiké's skills right now? Fast as hell and slotting goals left and right! The German midfielder is on fire ! I'm not surprised to see him getting praised for his work rate off the ball - he's always been one of those midfielders who does everything, not just scores goals. Liverpool's defense has been a mess lately, but with Konaté back in the mix and Ekitiké lighting it up, things are starting to look up . And shoutout to Eddie Howe for focusing on defensive improvements - we know he can turn this around !

I think Liverpool should've left Ibrahima Konaté on compassionate leave... he's still grieving and rushing back might've been a bad idea . And yeah, Newcastle United was a tough opponent, but 4-1 is a pretty big margin to be honest . Ekitiké's goals were cool and all, but slot praising him for his work rate off the ball is kinda weird... shouldn't he just focus on scoring more goals then?

️ "Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if one only remembers to turn on the light." - Albus Dumbledore It's great to see Ibrahima Konaté rushing back from compassionate leave to help his team overcome their defensive struggles. His decision shows that he truly cares about the club and wants to contribute to its success!

omg just watched liverpool's comeback match and ibrahima konaté is a total hero ! i was thinking he'd be out for a while longer what with his dad passing away and all, but it looks like his heart was in the right place . and let me tell you, that defensive crisis they've been having? solved . konaté's backline heroics were on point! then there's hugo ekitiké - wow! what a game he had ! two goals, 'special' and 'fast'? yeah no doubt about it ️! eddie howe needs to focus on those defensive improvements tho . can't wait to see liverpool take on the rest of the league

man i think konaté's timing is perfect , they really needed a goal like that from him . ekitiké looks so sharp right now , his work rate is insane, slot was spot on about him . but eddie howe needs to focus on the defence for real , 4 goals conceded in one match is too many . i'm loving this comeback win tho, lfc are looking unstoppable

I'm low-key loving Ibrahima Konaté's attitude right now . The guy was feeling down after losing his dad, but instead of taking a longer break, he jumps back into action and saves the day! That's what I call dedication . And can we talk about Hugo Ekitiké? He's been flying under the radar for ages, but now everyone's raving about him . His speed on the pitch is insane, and that second goal of his was a total screamer . The team's defensive crisis seems to be sorted, and it's all thanks to these two guys showing up and giving their all . And let's not forget that win against Newcastle – Liverpool's on fire ! Now, can they keep this momentum going?

I think Konaté is a genius ! He could've easily played it safe and been out for another week or so but he saw his team in trouble and stepped up. The goal he scored was massive, it's not every day you see someone come off the bench and change the game like that!

And Ekitiké is definitely on a roll right now! He's always been a talented player, but to hear Slot saying he's 'special' and 'fast' is just awesome. That's what I'm talking about, teams need players who can deliver under pressure and Ekitiké seems to be getting it done.

The win is huge for Liverpool too, 10 points clear of Newcastle? They're in a great spot right now! But yeah, there's always room for improvement, especially with defence. Eddie Howe needs to keep working on that and I have no doubt he will. The team is on the up, and it's going to be an exciting finish to the season

I'm still trying to understand why teams are always struggling with defense . I mean, it's not like it's rocket science or something, right? Just keep your own goal to a minimum and try to win the ball back quickly. It sounds simple enough, but somehow teams just can't seem to get it together.

I think it's awesome that Konaté was able to come back from compassionate leave to help his team though . He must be pretty determined to want to be out there on the pitch. And Ekitiké seems like a beast on the field, scoring two goals and all . The slot is right, he's definitely special.

But seriously, 10 points clear of Newcastle with only four games left is huge . I'm not sure how much more pressure Liverpool can handle without anyone getting hurt. Hopefully, they can keep their cool and finish the season strong .

Konaté's got game ! I was worried he'd be out for a bit longer what with his dad passing away and all but he shows up like a boss and scores a goal. Now Liverpool's looking solid again, at least defensively. Those four goals against Newcastle were a disaster . Ekitiké's been on fire lately too, love the way he's playing! Fastest midfielder I've seen in ages . Gotta give Howe credit though, he knows what to say but needs to back it up with some decent recruitment. 10 points clear is huge, but we can't get complacent now. Still a few games left to make sure Liverpool stays on top

Wow Konaté's decision to rush back from compassionate leave is so brave he really cares about his team. Interesting how Ekitiké performed, I mean slot saying he's 'special' and 'fast' is high praise Liverpool are looking strong now, 10 points clear of Newcastle... can they keep it up?

I think Konaté's willingness to jump back into action is a good thing, especially considering how much pressure Liverpool's defense has been under lately . I mean, it shows he's got his priorities straight and isn't just focusing on himself, but also the team's success. And let's be real, that comeback win against Newcastle was huge, so I think Konaté made the right call in rushing back .

But what's even more impressive is how well Ekitiké performed, scoring two goals and being described as 'special' by Slot . It just goes to show that there are some talented players on that team who can step up when it matters most. And I love how Slot praised Ekitiké's improvement in terms of work rate off the ball – it's not just about individual skill, but also about how players support each other on the pitch .

Of course, with Liverpool being 10 points clear of Newcastle, there's still some pressure to maintain that lead and focus on defensive improvements . But overall, I think this win is a great confidence boost for the team and shows that they're capable of bouncing back from tough losses .