Ibrahima Konate shows true colours in pre-match footage of Liverpool star
Ibrahima Konate displayed his leadership ability with a rousing speech to his France team-mates before last weekend's UEFA Nations League win against Italy in Milan
by Alan Smith · The MirrorIbrahima Konate has wowed Liverpool fans with a pre-match speech delivered before France's Nations League win away to Italy at the weekend.
The centre back is being tipped as a future captain at Anfield with doubts around the future of partner and current skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom are out of contract in the summer.
And Konate, whose performances under Arne Slot have been earning rave reviews, gave an example that he is earning his stripes with a video posted on social media from inside the dressing room before Sunday night's fixture in Milan.
France won 3-1 at San Siro having lost the reverse game by the same scoreline in September - a display that Konate, who was captaining the side in the controversial absence of Kylian Mbappe, made clear Les Bleus were seeking to gain revenge for.
"Come on guys, set-pieces, in defence and attack, Lucas (Digne) knows what he has to do," Konate says in the clip.
"Guys, there's a first-place finish up for grabs too. First place means that in the next round, boys, the second match will be at home. That's what important too, guys.
"But today, it's about revenge, absolutely [Italy beat France 3-1 in September]. Revenge, revenge, revenge."
Late on he addresses fellow defender Jules Kounde by stressing the need for them to communicate clearly, saying: "Jules, we know what we have to do, boss. Keep talking a lot with everyone, okay?"
Konate returns to action with Liverpool on Sunday as Slot's league leaders visit relegation strugglers Southampton at St Mary's.
The Reds are five points clear of Manchester City with 11 fixtures played and they also sit top of the bloated Champions League league phase with a visit of Real Madrid to Anfield coming next week.
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