Jurgen Klopp reacted with bemusement to a journalists suggestion that Ibrahima Konate was man-marking for Liverpool last night.
Klopp was answering questions in his post-match press conference via Liverpool FC on YouTube (4mins 45secs). One journalists asked whether it was the plan for Konate to follow Benfica winger Everton around the pitch.
“You saw us man-marking? Then we played really bad. It’s only a possibility if Everton is always around Konate because we defend the space,” responded the puzzled Liverpool boss.
“I have to watch the game back, if it (we) did it then I have to make sure it doesn’t happen again because we play against the ball not Everton or the other boys.”
Konate was caught out playing too tight to Benfica’s attackers on a couple of ocassions. But Klopp emphatically dismissed any idea that the defender had been asked to specifically follow anyone in particular.
“It was not part of the game plan, not at all. I will watch the game back and if we man-marked him I will tell you before the second game. It’s not the plan, no,” he said.
That’s that cleared up, then.
Konate’s mixed night
It was bizarre that the journalist could have watched Liverpool for any period of time and thought that man-marking was a tactic that Klopp employs.
The Reds are notorious for their high defensive line. That constitutes pretty much the opposite of man-marking.
However, his question did highlight the slightly awkward night that Konate endured in Lisbon. It must be said that the 22-year-old was largely excellent on a big night for him.
He handled Darwin Nunez well on the whole and his recovery pace and strength is truly incredible. Having said that, his desire to win the ball early did almost cost Liverpool several times, particularly in the second half.
It was of course his error that allowed the Portuguese side back into the game. In a Liverpool career that has been plain-sailing so far, the mistake will remind Konate of the high standards required at all times.
But no matter, Konate is young and is learning all the time.
Positives to take
The missed clearance aside, it was another showing that displayed why Liverpool were so adamant to secure Konate’s signing last summer,
His first goal for the club was a big one. A perfectly executed header to put The Reds 1-0 up at the Estadio Da Luz.
You could see how happy his teammates were for the Frenchman to get his first goal. After a brilliant showing away to Inter Milan in the last round, this was another positive step in Konate’s development.
He is likely to sit out Sunday’s trip to the Etihad as Joel Matip returns alongside Virgil Van Dijk. But whenever he is called upon for the rest of the season, expect him to show the benefits of learning through games like the one last night.
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