Liverpool fans hail new ‘leader’ as footage of pre-match speech emerges

Liverpool fans believe Ibrahima Konate could be their captain after seeing footage of him motivating the French stars ahead of their 3-1 win over Italy on Sunday.

Konate and goalkeeper Mike Maignan tried to rouse their troops ahead of the Nations League match and it appears to have worked, with France topping their group after the win.

With the futures of Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk and vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold both up in the air amid their expiring contracts, Liverpool fans believe Konate could be their successor.

The defender has been at the club since joining from RB Leipzig for £35 million in 2021 and captained France for the first time on Sunday in his 21st appearance for them.

“Come on guys, set pieces, in defense and attack, Lucas (Digne) knows what to do,” Konate begins.

'Guys, there is also a first place to be won. First place means that in the next round, guys, the second match is at home. That's important too, guys.

“But today it's definitely about revenge [Italy beat France 3-1 in September]. Revenge, revenge, revenge.'

Later, he makes his way through the team individually, claps hands with them and says to fellow defender Jules Kounde: 'Jules, we know what to do, boss. Keep talking to everyone a lot, okay?'

Liverpool fans quickly picked up the dressing room video, which was published on France's official social media channels, and praised the 25-year-old.

“This could be Liverpool's next captain in the making,” said someone on X.

“What a true captain, Konate,” said another.

“If Trent leaves, Konate will be the next captain. Allison, Robbo, Sallah and Virgil (if they sign) have a maximum of two years at the club,” one person wrote.

“Another said, 'We are so lucky to have so many leaders on our team.'

Someone commented: 'I'm giving (Jordan) Henderson vibes, I love this man.'

Konate has been in imperious form for the Reds this season and has benefited from good availability, something that is not always guaranteed with his injury record – although he did come out of the game hurt against Brighton.

He was left out of the starting line-up in place of Jarell Quansah on the opening day of the season against Ipswich, but replaced the youngster at half-time, made a big impact and hasn't looked back.

Arne Slot's side have conceded just six goals in the Premier League – half that of their second-best defender Arsenal – and are five points ahead of Manchester City.

Their credentials will be put to their biggest test yet next week when they take on Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and Manchester City on Sunday.