Manchester United legend, Rio Ferdinand has opined that Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation is affecting his form that’s why Reds fans are not happy with his recent performances, Softfootball reports.
Liverpool lost 4-1 against PSV in the Match-Day 5 of the UEFA Champions League at Anfield as their poor form continued. The Reds have lost nine matches in 13 and are currently 13th in the premier league but are already out of the title race at this early stage.
Speaking on his official podcast, Rio Ferdinand is of the opinion that the contract situation puts a lot of pressure on the defender. He said:
They had it with Mo Salah, Vigil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold. So, it was distabilising but they managed to get through it last year and win the (Premier) league. Right, so they probably thought, it didn’t hurt that much, we can still do it. Yes, Trent, towards the end got a little bit of stick, here and there but he was out of the team. So, it wasn’t really impacting the starting XI. Konate just doesn’t look himself. I think he looks a bit edgy. Atimes, I mean, on the ball he’s never been the smoothest anyway but he’s always been able to get it done. But I think, defensive mistakes are really being kind of highlighted. People kind of start to focus on, you not signing a contract, meaning the reason why you are not playing well. Can you now deal with that different pressure?
Last week, fans mocked Liverpool for losing 3-0 to Nottingham and Konate was at the heart of defence alongside Van Dijk and they were shambolic with their defending.
The loses are putting heavy pressure on manager, Arne Slot, who was hailed as a hero after he helped Liverpool win their 20th premier league title to match Manchester United’s record but his title defence is going all wrong and he is now one of the bookies favourite to be sacked if results don’t improve.
Konate has long been on the transfer list of Real Madrid as they were looking at replacing former Chelsea defender Rudiger and David Alaba by next summer but only last week officially told Liverpool that they were ending their interest on the player that could become a free agent by next summer if he fails to agree a new contract at Liverpool.
Here is the video of Rio Ferdinand having an interview on his official podcast. Watch below.
Why Konaté’s contract saga is a big problem for Liverpool
CC: @rioferdy5, @joelbeya, @MrStephenHowson pic.twitter.com/pZKtswzkGP
— Rio Ferdinand Presents (@RioMeets) November 29, 2025Liverpool will travel to London to face West Ham United in the Match-Day 13 of the Premier League on Sunday.
