The Liverpool star aims subtle digs at former manager Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate appears to have made a subtle dig at former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp over his lack of game time at the end of the season.

Konate was expected to move from his late-season spot behind Jarell Quansah at Liverpool, assuming a starting role in France’s defence.

However, the French centre-back lost his place in the national team, with the France coach preferring William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano at this summer’s Euros.

For most of the previous campaign, Klopp prioritized Konate alongside Virgil van Dijk as the starting defenders.

But towards the end of the season, the French defender lost his place to the Liverpool youngster.

The defender did not play a single minute for France at the Euros and is unhappy with the lack of action at Liverpool at the end of the season.

He expressed his frustration with the latest situation, but knows it’s all part of football.

“I came with a lot of expectations, that’s part of football” Konate told reporters on Saturday, as translated by Sport Witness.

“I knew where I was before the first game. It’s frustrating, but I know my role on and off the field. A 100% “Ibou” would never have sat on the bench.

“I haven’t played for a month and a half! I braced myself, almost passed out several times. The preparation was very short. It’s part of football. It was a good lesson for me.”

Liverpool defender unhappy with Klopp’s selection

He has every right to be frustrated with how things went for him towards the end of last season.

Klopp preferred Quansah in the center of defense with Van Dijk and Konate was limited to a role on the bench.

The defender will be hoping to impress new coach Arne Slot now and will be determined to seal his place in the starting line-up.

At this point, only an injury to Saliba or Upamecano can make the France coach start Konate.