{"id":562642,"date":"2025-11-11T02:23:22","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T02:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/562642\/"},"modified":"2025-11-11T02:23:22","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T02:23:22","slug":"arne-slot-faces-tough-ibrahima-konate-decision-as-liverpool-consider-major-defensive-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/562642\/","title":{"rendered":"Arne Slot faces tough Ibrahima Konate decision as Liverpool consider major defensive change"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Liverpool are next up against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League with Arne Slot facing some selection posers<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/0_GettyImages-2245962927.jpg\" alt=\"Liverpool head coach Arne Slot\" loading=\"eager\"  \/>Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: Michael Regan\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Liverpool suffered another new low of a difficult campaign when they slumped to a 3-0 <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/barclays-premier-league\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Premier League<\/a> defeat at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. The Reds are now down in eighth place and a whopping eight points behind runaway leaders Arsenal in the defence of their title.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Arne Slot&#8217;s side now have a fortnight off due to the international break before reconvening ahead of the top-flight clash at home to Sean Dyche&#8217;s Nottingham Forest on Saturday week.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">And here we look ahead to the changes Reds head coach <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/arne-slot\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Slot<\/a> could make when his team are next in action.<\/p>\n<p>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/bernardo-silva-sparks-angry-liverpool-32844408\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32844408\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bernardo Silva sparks angry Liverpool reaction as Man City make Hugo Ekitike blunder<\/a>READ MORE: <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/sport\/football\/football-news\/virgil-van-dijk-disagrees-premier-32843944\" data-tmdatatrack=\"read-more\" data-tmdatatrack-articleid=\"32843944\" data-tmdatatrack-source=\"editorial\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Virgil van Dijk disagrees with Premier League statement as Liverpool captain slams decision<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Gomez strengthens case<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Slot&#8217;s decision to largely stick to the same team during the past week paid off against Real Madrid but very much did not at City, where Liverpool looked somewhat leggy and lacking in energy.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">As ever, the international break will largely be a time for the Reds boss to hope his players avoid serious injury when on national team duty and aren&#8217;t overly-exerted with their countries. But a run of seven defeats in 10 games means perhaps something has to change regardless.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Slot has previously hinted <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/alisson\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Alisson BeckerLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Alisson Becker<\/a> could be back available after his hamstring complaint, although <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/giorgi-mamardashvili\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Giorgi MamardashviliLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Giorgi Mamardashvili<\/a> will be on standby to continue between the sticks. Freddie Woodman is the third choice.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/conor-bradley\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Conor BradleyLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Conor Bradley<\/a>, now only one booking away from a Premier League suspension, will be favourite to continue at right-back with <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/jeremie-frimpong\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Jeremie FrimpongLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Jeremie Frimpong<\/a> still hamstrung and the lesser-spotted <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/joe-gomez\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Joe GomezLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Joe Gomez<\/a> another option.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Gomez, though, could now be a major contender for a starting role at centre-back after another poor display from <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/ibrahima-konate\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Ibrahima KonateLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Ibrahima Konate<\/a> when partnering skipper <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/virgil-van-dijk\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Virgil van DijkLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Virgil van Dijk<\/a> against City. Teenager <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/giovanni-leoni\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Giovanni LeoniLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Giovanni Leoni<\/a> is out for the season after ACL surgery while <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/wataru-endo\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Wataru EndoLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Wataru Endo<\/a> is an alternative.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Whoever starts between <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/andy-robertson\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Andy RobertsonLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Andy Robertson<\/a> and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/milos-kerkez\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Milos KerkezLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Milos Kerkez<\/a> at left-back may well be determined by how many minutes they play for Scotland and Hungary respectively over the next eight days.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Midfield change?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Liverpool had reverted to their tried-and-trusted midfield but that may now need a rethink after the defeat against City effectively ended their title challenge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/ryan-gravenberch\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Ryan GravenberchLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Ryan Gravenberch<\/a> and <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/alexis-mac-allister\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Alexis Mac AllisterLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Alexis Mac Allister<\/a> were both way below their best at the Etihad as the double pivot, and Slot has options there with <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/dominik-szoboszlai\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Dominik SzoboszlaiLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Dominik Szoboszlai<\/a>, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/curtis-jones\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Curtis JonesLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Curtis Jones<\/a> and Endo all capable of doing a job.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">It&#8217;s unlikely there will be a significant change in formation, meaning the number 10 role will remain with Szoboszlai the man in possession.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">The Hungary international&#8217;s form means he is certain to start, although if he&#8217;s needed elsewhere <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/florian-wirtz\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Florian WirtzLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Florian Wirtz<\/a>, Jones and even <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/hugo-ekitike\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Hugo EkitikeLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Hugo Ekitike<\/a> &#8211; should Slot push more for a 4-4-1-1 approach &#8211; are all considerations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Isak question<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">The return to fitness of <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/alexander-isak\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Alexander IsakLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Alexander Isak<\/a> will put huge pressure on Ekitike for the main central striking role, although both could start.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">With Egypt without any games over the next week, <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/mohamed-salah\" target=\"\" aria-label=\"\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Mohamed Salah<\/a> will be rested and favourite to continue on the right flank, with Wirtz having also featured there recently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\" publication=\"liverpoolecho\">Wirtz has started the last two games on the left but will come under strong pressure from <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/Cody-Gakpo\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Cody GakpoLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Cody Gakpo<\/a> next time out. <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/federico-chiesa\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Federico ChiesaLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Federico Chiesa<\/a> is an option across the frontline while teenager <a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.liverpoolecho.co.uk\/all-about\/rio-ngumoha\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Rio NgumohaLink opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Rio Ngumoha<\/a> has played on the left.<\/p>\n<p>Blood Red &#8211; November 2025 issue on sale now<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Dive into the heart of Liverpool FC with Blood Red, the ECHO\u2019s monthly magazine packed with exclusive interviews, expert analysis, and nostalgic stories. This edition features The Coral\u2019s James Skelly on his love for the Reds, Chris Kirkland\u2019s powerful mental health journey, and David James\u2019 take on Alisson\u2019s place among LFC legends.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1762566316_286_0_Blood-Red-Standalone-DIGITAL-Nov-25-BILLBOARD-Revised.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\"  \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Plus, tactical insights from Andy Dunn and Andrew Beasley, Kop banner creator Peter Carney, and interviews with celebrity fans Chris McAusland and Will Arnett. The ultimate read for every Liverpool supporter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh \" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><a class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/shop.regionalnewspapers.co.uk\/blood-red---november-2025-issue-5207-p.asp?utm_source=Blood+Red+-+Nov&amp;utm_medium=Blood+Red+-+Nov+-++Factbox&amp;utm_campaign=Blood+Red+-+Nov&amp;utm_id=Blood+Red+-+Nov\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Order your copy online here!Link opens in a new tab.\" tabindex=\"0\" rel=\"noopener\">Order your copy online here!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Liverpool are next up against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League with Arne Slot facing some selection posersLiverpool&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":562643,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8815],"tags":[1121,748,393,4884,5759,179,763,16,15],"class_list":{"0":"post-562642","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-liverpool","8":"tag-arne-slot","9":"tag-britain","10":"tag-england","11":"tag-great-britain","12":"tag-hugo-ekitike","13":"tag-liverpool","14":"tag-liverpool-fc","15":"tag-uk","16":"tag-united-kingdom"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/115528689544502241","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/562642","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=562642"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/562642\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/562643"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=562642"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=562642"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=562642"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}