'A very difficult moment' - Ibrahima Konate discusses emotional goal for Liverpool on return from compassionate leave
Updated 01/02/2026 at 09:39 GMT
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Ibrahima Konate said that he returned to help Liverpool amid their injury issues having been granted compassionate leave following the passing of his father. The France defender scored Liverpool's fourth goal in an impressive 4-1 win against Newcastle United that leaves Arne Slot's team in fifth place. Konate also hailed Florian Wirtz for his performance at Anfield.
'What a moment for him' - Emotional Konate scores on return from compassionate leave
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ibrahima Konate scored an emotional goal during Liverpool’s emphatic 4-1 win over Newcastle United at Anfield and then acknowledged that his family had endured "a very difficult moment".
The France defender tapped the ball past Nick Pope from close range in his first game back since a period of compassionate leave following the passing of his father.
Konate shed a tear while being embraced by Reds captain Virgil van Dijk after celebrating his first Premier League goal of the season.
He said that he wanted to come back and help the team despite being told by Liverpool head coach Arne Slot that he did not need to rush back.
"For sure, I am very happy, and I don't have words to describe what I feel right now because it was a very difficult moment for my family and me, the last two weeks," said Konate.
"This is part of life. It is hard to accept that, but we don't have the choice to do it.
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'A very difficult moment' - Konate reacts to emotional goal after returning from compassionate leave
Video credit: TNT Sports
"I saw that the team had some injured players. The manager on the call said to take my time, and I don't have to rush back.
"With this situation, I think it was important for me to come back and help the team.
"I think this is what I did today with the team, with Anfield, the atmosphere was incredible today, and this is what we need until the end of the season."
Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for Newcastle but a quick-fire double from Hugo Ekitike gave the hosts the lead at the break.
Florian Wirtz set up Ekitike’s first before making it 3-1 with an excellent finish of his own after half-time.
Wirtz has worked through a difficult start to his Premier League career, but Konate believes that we are close to seeing the German international hit his peak.
"Yeah for sure [the team are his family too], and I am very happy for him," Konate said.
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Highlights: Wirtz shines as Liverpool claim crucial win against Newcastle
Video credit: TNT Sports
"He just showed the world his quality, and for me, I don’t think he has hit his peak right now. It is coming very soon, one goal and one assist.
"I know what he said in the pre-season, how many assists he was going to do. If he can reach that, it will be crazy."
The result leaves Liverpool in fifth place ahead of Sunday’s Premier League action, one point behind Chelsea in fourth, while Newcastle are 10th as things stand.
Slot hails return in 'difficult circumstances'
Head coach Slot revealed how Konate called to say he would be willing to return earlier than planned following "a very difficult two weeks."
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Slot said: "He was planning to be back for the end of this week and it would have meant he could not play this game.
"But when he saw the problems we had defensively, he called me early this week and said: ‘I want to be back to help the team against Newcastle’.
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'It's all about results' - Slot says Liverpool needed to improve after difficult start to the season
Video credit: SNTV
"He came back on Wednesday and trained twice with us. Today, not only he scored a goal, but he played a great game and the fans were really appreciative throughout the whole game, but definitely at the end when he scored.
"His team-mates were just as appreciative when he came in the dressing room after the final whistle.
"Everyone was cheering for Ibou and Florian [Wirtz] when they came in after doing TV interviews, but especially for Ibou. This team has shown we are always there for each other in difficult circumstances – that’s what they were for him in the last few days."
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