Ibrahima Konate’s former youth coach has backed him to be a success at Real Madrid if he leaves Liverpool
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
One of Ibrahima Konate’s former coaches has backed the Liverpool defender to join Real Madrid. The France international is out of contract at Anfield next summer and his future remains uncertain as a result.
Contract talks have been held, with the centre-back first revealing he had received an offer from the Reds at the start of the year. But the two sides are yet to reach a resolution in negotiations.
Konate, who will be free to discuss a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs from January, is reportedly of interest to Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain if he does move on.
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And the 26-year-old’s former youth coach at FC Sochaux, Eric Hely, has now backed Konate to be a success at the Bernabeu – insisting he is better than current Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger.
“I would highlight his charisma and his simplicity, which make him a leader,” he told Marca. “He was very clear about that for a boy his age. He wanted to succeed and worked tirelessly, even on his own.
“If he did it at Liverpool, why not at Real Madrid? I’m sure if he gets into Xabi (Alonso)’s dressing room, he won’t talk much at first.
“He’ll listen and learn, and then he’ll establish himself in the group with his personality.
“I don’t see him as Varane. He’s more of a Desailly type. He gives off a lot of confidence and has a very good footwork.
“I’d say better than Rudiger, who is undoubtedly an athlete, but I think Ibrahima is technically stronger.
“I’m sure he can succeed at Madrid and wherever he wants. I think he’d fit in very well with Xabi.
“He can play in a three-man defence, as he did at Leipzig, and in a four-man defence. He’s a kid who never caused any problems.
“I remember when he came from Paris to stay at our residence. And he was always there to help and make life easier. The other kids followed him because of his charisma.”