Liverpool’s Steve Nicole and Michael Owen have criticised Ibrahima Conate following an exhibition in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace. French International continued its inconsistent start to the season with a particularly difficult first half at Selhurst Park. The central defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and his future at Anfield is uncertain. Real Madrid is reportedly among the clubs interested in signing the 26-year-old if they don’t renew their contract with Liverpool.
Amidst ongoing transfer rumors, Conate has gotten off to a tough start to the season. He shines in victory over teams like Arsenal and Everton, but he also provided some volatile defensive performances. This trend continued with the Reds’ loss to Crystal Palace, where he fought Eagles striker Gian Philippe Mateta. Arne Slot’s team led to a 2-1 loss against Palace despite Federico Chiesa’s equalizer in the 87th minute. Eddie Nketia then won the home side in the 97th minute, resulting in a disappointing day in the incumbent Premier League champions’ capital.
Having won four league titles, the European Cup and three FA Cups during his time at Liverpool, Nicole was not impressed by the performance of his previous club at Selhurst Park. Criticizing their defensive exhibits, he argued that Conate was at the heart of the matter.
“It would be really tough to pull one person out, but I think the guy at the beginning of it was Konate,” he said on ESPN FC. “He had an absolutely incredibly scary first half. He couldn’t pass the ball properly, he kept giving fouls and booking, he’s trying to fight Mateta.
“I know Conate is a big young man, but Mateta is bigger than him and you have to use your brain. Unfortunately, Conate didn’t use any brain at all.
“And when you hand the ball against Crystal Palace, it really is their best. They misuse mistakes from the opposition and then they move forward quickly to you.
“The truth behind the matter is that everything Liverpool didn’t work out today is the same as they’re not doing well all season… Liverpool’s backline is not made up at all.
“Yes, I hope the middle part can stop the opposition from reaching the backline, but at the end of the day the backline is there to do its job.
“Liverpool may still be at the top of the league, but Arne Slot still has a lot of questions.
Nicole was not alone in criticism of Conate’s performance. Former Liverpool player Owen has also expressed concern about the Defender’s first half display, noting that it is not a one-off sub-performance.
“I don’t know if it’s tired or not, but they gave a fair few players a break mid-week with the Carabao Cup,” he said. “They weren’t the usual ones. We’re early in the season, and I’m hesitant to blame them (tired).
“I mean, Konate didn’t know what he was doing in the first half. I can’t say it was due to rust or fatigue. We’ve seen one or two such performances from him this season.
“I don’t make that excuse, I give Crystal Palace praise, they’re the right team. They beat Liverpool with the Community Shield, it wasn’t a fluke.
Meanwhile, former Man City ace Mica Richards has confessed his growing concern over Conate’s shape this season.
“Conate is starting to worry about me a little,” he admitted during the match that day. “He and Van Dick have been a good partnership, but his individual errors at this point make the backline look a bit nervous.
“Liverpool knows that defense always looks good. Van Dick has always swamped the backline, but for real reasons it gives the palace too many opportunities. It’s sloppy and that’s not like Liverpool.”
