In a heartbreaking turn of events, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has shared the devastating news that his father, Hamady, has passed away. The 23-year-old French international was absent from Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Marseille on Wednesday, with the club confirming he was dealing with a family matter.
Konate has now taken to social media to confirm his father’s passing, revealing that Hamady’s funeral will take place on Friday. The player expressed his grief with the words “From Him we come, and to Him we return.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot acknowledged the difficult situation Konate was facing, describing it as a “very sad” time for the player. In Konate’s absence, Joe Gomez stepped in to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence, with the latter praising Gomez’s performance.
Van Dijk also sent a message of support to Konate, saying, “My thoughts are with him. I’m very happy to play with Joe. We are good friends, that helps as well. He played outstanding and was important in the first goal.”
The tragic news comes as a blow to Konate, who has been a key figure in Liverpool’s backline this season, missing only two Carabao Cup games prior to Wednesday’s match. The defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, with Real Madrid reportedly interested in his services.
Liverpool’s victory in France lifted them into fourth place in the Champions League table, two points ahead of ninth-placed Barcelona. Manager Slot acknowledged the importance of the win, stating that the team has had to rely on the same players due to injuries, which could have contributed to their recent energy levels.
The Reds will now turn their attention to their upcoming home match against Qarabag as they seek to avoid the Champions League play-off round and secure a direct spot in the last 16.
