Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konaté says the hard work in Asia is a necessary step as the Reds look to defend their Premier League crown in what he expects to be a tougher campaign than last season. Softootball captured the interview Konate had with the club, where he addressed Liverpool’s preparation ahead of the new season.
Liverpool, who are currently based in Tokyo after a week in Hong Kong, are enduring intense preseason sessions in humid conditions, laying the groundwork for their 2025/26 title defence.
For Konaté, who featured 42 times last season, there is no time to bask in past glory, as the title calls for bigger responsibilities.
While speaking to Liverpool’s media after Monday’s session in Tokyo, Ibrahima Konaté said:
“Last season, we came back with a new manager and a very good idea.
“He said before the season what we needed to do to win, we followed that, and we got a good result. But this season will be more difficult.”
Konaté is urging his teammates to take the lessons from both their triumphs and missteps as they prepare to go again.
He continued:
“We were champions last season; that’s done now. We have to go again and try to do something even better. That’s why preseason is very important. It’s hard, but we need it.”
The Frenchman was also quick to highlight the intensity of the current training regime.
Konate added:
“You can see in the training videos it’s tough, but we need this. Every team wants to beat us now. We have to protect our title, and that means pushing ourselves in these tough conditions to be ready.”
Konaté also welcomed new signing Hugo Ekitike to the squad, offering his support to his fellow Frenchman.
He chucklingly added:
“If you’re older, you help the new players.
“He’s just arrived, and of course I’ll be there to support him. But honestly, everyone in this team is like that; it’s a great group.”
With more additions joining this summer, Konaté remains confident of Liverpool’s dominance next season.
He said:
“We’ve brought in great players. They need time to adapt, but with the spirit in this squad, I’m sure it’ll be easy.”
Recall that Softfootball had earlier reported that Liverpool is still pressing hard to bring Alexander Isak to Anfield. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool is now shifting their focus to Newcastle United’s Isak and is ready to make a record-breaking bid.
Despite Al-Hilal offering a staggering £130 million fee and a weekly salary of £600,000, Isak has rejected such a mouthwatering deal to join Liverpool. Liverpool plays Yokohama FM on Wednesday, 30th July, as they seek to come back from a 4-2 defeat to Milan.
