Despite winning 3 points before Bournemouth on the opening day of the Premier League 2025/26, Liverpool fans have a reason to be dissatisfied, especially with the performance of the two stars.
The Premier League champion soon led 2-0 thanks to the opening goal of rookie Hugo Ekitike and the goal of Cody Gakpo, before Antoine Semenyo equalized for the visitors with two beautiful goals.
Federico Chiesa came on from the bench and made a beautiful shot, scoring the first goal in the Premier League, then Mo Salah's turn closed the match with a familiar goal on the opening day of the season.
Under the Arne Slot, Liverpool showed outstanding attack ability, especially Ekitike. Even so, like the British Super Cup match against Crystal Palace, they still reveal the fragility of the defense.
Commenting on the match, former player Jamie Carragher repeatedly criticized Ibrahima Konate for his ability to choose a poor position. The French midfielder made a mistake in both goals against Semenyo, causing Carragher to say that he was “completely disordered” and “real bad”.
Carragher is not the only one who has a fierce viewpoint with Konate – a player who only has a contract until the summer and is being interested by Real Madrid.
- A fan wrote on X: “Konate is far away from his best performance”.
- Others are annoyed: “Konate should be punished for that bad defense, really a disaster.”
- Another idea: “Konate needs to leave, and he himself wants that”.
- The fourth person sarcastically: “Konate plays as if signed in advance with Madrid.”
Liverpool is currently lacking in a center -back after selling Jarell Quanusah to Leverkusen and Joe Gomez's constant injury. The port city team is strongly contacted with Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace – who has only 1 year to contract with the FA Cup champion.
Liverpool is not ready to meet the fee that Palace requires, but the latest performance of Konate may make them reconsider. In addition, Florian Wirtz is also another name that brings disappointment. The Liverpool blockbuster contract was strayed and was almost crushed by Bournemouth's physical play.
During the time on the pitch, Wirtz was generally faded, many slow handling caused loss of danger. And fortunately after coach Slot launched Federico Chiesa in replacing Wirtz, Liverpool found the third goal, from which opened the final victory.
Overall, Wirtz will have a lot of work to be done to fully adapt to the style of physical strength and fierce dispute like the Premier League.
