Ibrahima Konate wants Premier League rules changed after Liverpool lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-final first leg. Liverpool went up 2-0 at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, with Désiré Douet and Hviča Kvaratskhelia finding the back of the net in each half.
This latest setback will only intensify the scrutiny directed at Arn Slott, manager of the Premier League champions Reds. The manager has faced criticism during a difficult season, with the Premier League champions currently securing just two wins from their last eight games in all competitions. Konate then called on the Premier League to provide greater support to clubs participating in the Champions League, pointing out that PSG had brought forward the Ligue 1 match against Reims, scheduled between the two leagues, ahead of the European match.
“I think this has been going on over and over again because it was the same last season,” Konate added. “I wish we could have done the same thing in the Premier League, but it’s completely different.
“In a way, I’m happy for them because I think it’s good for them and the league will help them achieve something in the Champions League.
“I hope the Premier League does the same in the future. Or why not the teams in the Champions League this season?”
Slott opted to field three centre-backs against PSG, effectively leaving Liverpool with five defenders, often with a sixth defender if Ryan Gravenbirch or Alexis Mac Allister were dropped deep.
The France international added afterwards: “What do you think about tonight’s result? Of course I’m not happy. We know we have another game at Anfield. It’s our home and anything can happen there, so we have to be well prepared for Saturday’s game.”
“After that, I will think more about the match against PSG. I think PSG is one of the best teams in the world, just like last season. They showed it today as well.”
“It was difficult to find solutions to achieve our goals, but it is now the manager’s job to see what can be improved and what can be changed for the home game and we will see.”
The second leg will be played at Anfield next Tuesday, with the Reds hoping to make up for the loss, but Mohamed Salah, who was left on the bench in Paris, will be looking to feature.
The Champions League is Liverpool’s only chance to win a trophy this season after suffering a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals last weekend.
The Premier League campaign similarly collapsed, with the Reds unable to build on Slott’s remarkable debut season in which they won the league title.
