Ibrahima Konate was impressed with Luis Diaz switching to a number nine role in Liverpool’s Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen
Ibrahima Konate admits it was “crazy” to see Luis Diaz play as a number nine for Liverpool as he highlighted the impact the Anfield support is having on Arne Slot’s side. With Darwin Nunez rested to the bench and both Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa injured, Diaz was switched into the position for the Champions League visit of Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday evening.
The Colombia international responded with a first-ever hat-trick for the club as the Reds maintained their 100% start to the competition with a thumping 4-0 triumph.
And Konate, who overcame a wrist injury to play the full 90 minutes, was impressed with both Diaz and the overall performance against the Bundesliga champions and last season’s Europa League runners-up.
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“It was crazy, but was very good for us and the team!” said the centre-back. “I just wish the best for all the strikers we have. They have had a very good start to the season, I just hope they can score and assist again.
“I’m very proud of the team because it was a very good game against a very good team, we know how good they are. Leverkusen have good quality everywhere around the pitch, they are confident in knowing what they have to do.
“But we defended very well, that’s why they didn’t have many opportunities to score. Then we had two very big saves from Caoimhin (Kelleher) at the end. In the second half we changed a few things as we understood how they play. But this was a night for us.”
After a closely-fought goalless first half, Liverpool ran away with the game in the second half when, as against Brighton in the Premier League last Saturday, they netted twice in a matter of minutes when helped by another boisterous Anfield atmosphere.
“The fans were unbelievable,” said Konate. “I don’t know how to describe it. The atmosphere was crazy and I hope the fans will keep going like that until the end of the season.
“Honestly, we need Anfield. I know everybody wants to play against Liverpool, one of the best clubs in the world. When they come here they want to win, because if you win against Liverpool it’s a big story for them.
“When they come here they have more energy, they play 2000%. We need the fans, and when the fans are with us it’s just unbelievable how we can play.”
Liverpool conclude a testing run of seven games in 21 days with the visit of top-four challengers Aston Villa on Saturday night aiming to maintain their lead at the Premier League summit.
And, speaking to LFC TV, Konate added: “Now we just have to keep going as the first half wasn’t perfect, the second half as well. But we are here to work and to be better day after day.
“It’s just the start. We just have to keep going and working because nothing is done now and we have so many games until the end of the season. I hope everybody will stay fit and healthy.”
