Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté has hinted he’s been left frustrated with his limited role for France at Euro 2024, after nearly passing out in an attempt to get fit for it.
The centre-back has been speaking at a press conference today ahead of the last 16 clash with Belgium on Monday.
The Liverpool man is yet to feature for his country at the tournament in Germany, sitting on the bench for the win over Austria and draws with the Netherlands and Poland.
He’s been unable to get ahead of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano, who appear to be Didier Deschamps preferred central defense partnership at this moment in time.
The defender headed into the tournament knowing that might be the case after something of a frustrating year with Liverpool that saw him manage just 22 Premier League games and 46% of the available minutes in the Premier League.
That was largely due to injury, with him suffering from a muscle injury and then thigh problems which saw him spend time on the treatment table.
He worked hard to bounce back from that to be fit for France this summer and it seems has been left a little frustrated by his lack of playing time as a result.
“I came with a lot of expectations, that’s part of football,” he said.
“I knew what my place was before the first match. It’s frustrating but I know my role on and off of the field. A 100% “Ibou” would never have sat on the bench.
“I didn’t play for a month and a half! I prepared, I almost passed out more than once. The preparation was very short. It’s part of football. It was a good lesson for me.”
