Liverpool defender backs Real Madrid forward amidst poor form – ‘I want his level of football, but not his life’ | OneFootball

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has expressed his admiration for Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe’s football skills, but also made it clear that he would not want to live the kind of life Mbappe does.

Konate’s comments come as Mbappe faces a challenging period at Real Madrid, having gone four consecutive matches without scoring. This season has not been Mbappe’s best, and his struggles extend beyond club performance.

The French star made the decision to skip the October international break, choosing not to join the French national team. Now, with the upcoming Nations League matches against Israel and Italy, Mbappe will once again be absent.

His absence has sparked questions, as no clear explanation was provided. Konate, however, decided to weigh in on the matter, addressing what he sees as the unique pressures Mbappe faces.

“When he is with us, journalists and everyone is around him. Mbappe today, the place he occupies in this world, is exceptional,” he began saying as quoted by MARCA.

Exceptional attention from everyone

Konate mentioned how he often jokes with Mbappe, saying that he’d love to have his football skills but not the constant spotlight that follows him.

“I often tell him: ‘Your level of football I want it, but I don’t want your life’ because, frankly, it’s hard to carry that your name is everywhere, for every single thing you do.”

Kylian Mbappe has struggled a lot this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

For Konate, the challenge of having one’s name in the headlines for every action can be overwhelming, something he feels Mbappe has had to endure for years.

In Konate’s view, Mbappe has significantly contributed to the French national team, and his talents and achievements should not be overlooked.

Konate believes that while the forward’s presence would benefit the team, it is ultimately up to the current players to step up and perform in his absence.

“When Mbappe is with us, we know the qualities he has, we know what he has brought us and we should not be ungrateful for what he has been able to bring to this French national team and the whole world is aware of it.”

As for the decision not to call up Mbappe this time, Konate made it clear that it rests entirely with the coach.

According to Konate, decisions on who to bring into the squad are always the coach’s prerogative, and as a player, he respects those choices.

“It is the coach who makes his decisions. He is the one who decides whether he wants to call him up or not. I have no say in the matter,” he concluded.