Micah Richards criticises Liverpool star after ‘worrying’ performance | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Defensive Woes Spark Concern as Micah Richards Questions Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park has cast an unexpected shadow over their promising start to the season. Having lifted the Premier League title last season, Liverpool had opened this campaign with a five-match unbeaten run. Yet a late Eddie Nketiah strike from a long throw condemned the champions to their first loss of the season, and the nature of the performance left former defender Micah Richards uneasy about one player in particular, Ibrahima Konate.

Liverpool Struggle to Match Palace’s Intensity

The opening 45 minutes were among Liverpool’s poorest since Arne Slot took charge. Crystal Palace seized the initiative early, capitalising on sloppy set-piece defending as Ismaila Sarr broke the deadlock. The hosts looked sharper, quicker to second balls, and more organised throughout the first half, leaving Liverpool chasing shadows.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s adjustments after the interval initially paid dividends. Federico Chiesa levelled the scores with a well-taken finish that sparked hope of a comeback. However, Liverpool’s renewed momentum was undone late in the match when Nketiah struck from close range to seal Palace’s win.

Micah Richards Voices Concern Over Konate

Much of the scrutiny has centred on Ibrahima Konate. The French defender, usually a reliable partner to Virgil van Dijk, endured a difficult afternoon. Richards, speaking on Match of the Day, did not mince his words:

“Konate is starting to worry me a little bit. Him and Van Dijk have been a good partnership, but his individual errors at this moment in time are just making the backline look a bit nervy.You know Liverpool always look good in defence, Van Dijk always marshals the backline, but they give Palace too many opportunities for no actual reason, it was just being sloppy, and that is so unlike Liverpool.”

Konate’s struggles mirrored some of his earlier displays this season, notably against Bournemouth, when lapses in positioning and timing exposed the backline. His inconsistency contrasts sharply with his commanding performances against Arsenal and Burnley, where his interventions were decisive.

Konate’s Form Under the Spotlight

The worry for Slot is that Konate’s inconsistency has started to undermine Liverpool’s defensive stability. With Giovanni Leoni sidelined through injury and Joe Gomez the only senior centre-back in reserve, the lack of depth adds urgency to resolving these issues.

Konate has shown that at his best he offers pace, power and composure. Yet moments of slackness in concentration have crept in at crucial times, placing extra pressure on Alisson and Van Dijk. Liverpool’s defensive record under Slot remains impressive overall, but the margins at the top of the Premier League are fine, and costly errors can quickly alter the momentum of a title defence.

Strengthening the Squad and Slot’s Next Steps

Liverpool may need to accelerate plans for defensive reinforcements, especially if injuries persist. Slot has hinted at the importance of building partnerships that develop understanding over time. Consistency in selection could help Konate regain rhythm and confidence, which has often been central to his best spells at Anfield.

For now, the focus will be on tightening up the basics. With a Champions League fixture looming and another crucial league clash on the horizon, the pressure is on Konate to rediscover his assured form. Liverpool’s ambitions of retaining the title depend on every part of their spine performing at its peak, and that includes Konate finding his usual composure.