Ibrahima Konate: "Night ruined", "Him again is torture" - Fans unhappy with Liverpool star's inclusion in XI to face Inter Milan in UCL clash

Liverpool fans are unhappy to see Ibrahima Konate in the starting XI for their UEFA Champions League clash with Inter Milan. The two sides are set to face off at San Siro on Tuesday, December 9.

Arne Slot made four changes to his starting lineup that drew 3-3 with Leeds United over the weekend, with talisman Mohamed Salah completely left out of the matchday squad. Andy Robertson and Joe Gomez return to the team’s starting lineup against the Nerazzurri, replacing Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez.

Elsewhere, Alexander Isak and Alexis are named as starters, with Florian Wirtz named among the substitutes, while Cody Gakpo is absent due to injury. Konate, who has been Liverpool’s trusted man at the heart of the defense, has once again been handed a starting role amid concerns with his poor form.

The Frenchman has earned a bad reputation for his error-prone nature, with Slot admitting after the draw at Leeds that his performances this season have been riddled with individual errors. The decision to include Konate in the starting lineup didn’t sit well with many Liverpool faithful, as they took to X to voice out their discontent with the setup.

One wrote:

“Konate starting so night ruined.”

Another tweeted:

“Konate again is torture.”

A third queried:

“How is Konate still starting.....”

“Cannot believe Konate starts again. Staggering,” another added.

“They have a very disciplined team” - Liverpool boss Arne Slot on facing Inter Milan

Arne Slot admitted that Inter Milan are a ‘strong team,’ stating that the Serie A side have had quite a good start in the ongoing UCL campaign. Heading into the clash, Inter sit fourth in the standings and have lost only one of their five games played so far.

On the challenge of facing Inter, Slot told reporters:

“That we face a very good and strong team, that has done really well this season in the league and the Champions League. They have been a big force in the Champions League for the last three seasons, twice playing the final and once going out on penalties against Atletico Madrid, which unfortunately we did last season against Paris Saint-Germain. We know we are going to face a very strong team tomorrow and that's always the biggest challenge there is in a game: it is always the team you face and individuals you face. They have a very disciplined team, a very experienced team as well and a lot of quality.”

Liverpool will need to secure all three points against Inter to improve their position. They currently sit 13th in the table.

Edited by Ezekiel Olamide