‘Do you want a call-up to the France team or what?’ – Ibrahima Konaté reveals key talk with Liverpool teammate Hugo Ekitiké | OneFootball

Ibrahima Konaté (26) has revealed how he had to push his compatriot, Hugo Ekitiké (23), during the latter’s first weeks at Liverpool.

Ekitiké joined Liverpool in the summer from Eintracht Frankfurt for a reported fee of €95m. The former Paris Saint-Germain centre-forward has started well at Anfield, netting six goals in his opening 16 games. His form at club level has seen him called up by Didier Deschamps. He currently has four caps to his name for Les Bleus, however, a conversation with his teammate at club and international level may have proved crucial in making the breakthrough.

In an interview with Canal Plus, Konaté revealed how he pushed Ekitiké, playing on his emotions. “One time, I told him off a bit, but it was funny,” began the Liverpool defender. “We were supposed to go to the gym after training. He was tired because we put a lot of intensity into sessions; it is really hard. I go and see him to tell him to come to the gym, and he tells me, “But I’m shattered”. We don’t have to go to the gym, but it is better.”

Konaté then revealed he dangled the Les Bleus carrot. “So I looked at him and said, “Do you want a call-up to the France national team or what?” Then I leave. One minute later, he is in the gym.” 

Both Konaté and Ekitiké have been called up for the current international break. France can qualify for next summer’s FIFA World Cup by beating Ukraine on Thursday night. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle