Arne Slot admitted he took a risk playing Ibrahima Konate in Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea after the defender suffered a hamstring injury amid a packed fixture schedule.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted taking a “risk” by starting Ibrahima Konate, who limped off injured during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The French defender was replaced in the 56th minute of a frenetic clash settled by Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time winner, leaving the champions with their third loss in eight days.
“If I rotate against Galatasaray people complain that I rotate,” said Slot. “It is a risk playing Konate, he’s played three games in eight days with a four-hour flight up and down. That’s the balance you need to find.”
Chelsea, missing eight players through injury and suspension, led through Moises Caicedo before Cody Gakpo equalised for Liverpool. However, Marc Cucurella’s low cross found Estevao, who slid home to secure a vital win for Enzo Maresca’s side. Assistant coach Willy Caballero praised his team’s resilience, saying: “The players from the bench were ready to go and play. They just went on the pitch and did fantastic.”