Liverpool vs. Chelsea: We have to give everything now — Konate

In a recent interview with the club’s media team, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has shared his thoughts on what Wednesday’s premier league clash against Chelsea means to the team now that it has been confirmed that their manager, Jurgen Klopp will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Ibrahima Konate, shared his reflections on the manager’s unexpected departure and emphasized the team’s sole goal now, which will be to give Klopp a fitting send-off in the remaining months of the season starting from the fixture versus Chelsea.

The French international expressed the emotional impact of Klopp’s departure, stating,

“Of course it was very emotional because nobody expected this from the manager. The world did not expect this! Everybody was surprised, but this is football, and football is crazy.

“I don’t have the words, I don’t know how to explain this feeling, but for sure it was very important for us to show to the manager that we are with him for the rest of this season. We want to win everything for him, and for us, and for the fans.”

When asked if Klopp’s departure would serve as extra motivation for the players, Konate affirmed,

“Yes, exactly. When he said that [he was leaving], in my mind, I was like, ‘In the last four months, I have to give my life for him now.’

“It’s a big thing for the club and the fans, but like the manager said, for the next game against Chelsea, we cannot think about this, and if the fans can help us to make sure that Chelsea know that they are away at Anfield, this will be great for us.”

On the game holding a lot more meaning for him aside Klopp’s exit, Konate said;

“It’s special because I have so many friends at Chelsea, friends from the national team.

“So it’s two challenges; because to play against Chelsea is to play against a big team, and to play against friends, we know if we don’t get a good result they will start to talk about this in the national team and I don’t want this situation!”

The Frenchman also laments the many draws between both teams in their recent fixtures, stating about the games;

“That is crazy. When we qualified for the final of the Carabao Cup [earlier this month], I said, ‘Chelsea again?!’ We had so many draws against them, and I hope that this will be the day that we will get the win.”

Liverpool versus Chelsea prior to Jurgen Klopp announcing his exit from the club, has always been a big game, but with this standing as the German’s last premier league fixture against the West-London side, some grudge and emotion will be seen when both sides meet.