Konate talks future: My agent is negotiating with Liverpool and hopes to make a decision soon

In the European group stage of the World Cup qualifiers in the early morning of next Monday, France will go to an away game to challenge Azerbaijan. At the press conference before this game, French central defender Konate talked about related topics, especially his future.

Regarding the possibility of serving as the team captain

I don’t know if I will be the captain tomorrow. I have to ask the coach (laughs). What I want to say is complex but simple, every game is important, even if there is nothing to play for. This is our job and we have to enjoy it. This is the national team, we need to win points and the attacking players need statistics.

About Ekitic

When Ekitic first arrived at Liverpool, I told him that the intensity here is different from the Bundesliga, and everyone will go through this process. Sometimes he gets tired during training. One time, we were going to the gym and he didn’t want to go, so I asked him: ‘Do you want to join the national team? ’ Two minutes later, he was in the gym (laughs). I think he has overcome these difficulties. I was very happy for him after seeing him score against Ukraine. He had a difficult time at PSG and received a lot of criticism.

About Chevalier

Will Chevalier play tomorrow? I don’t know anything (laughs). He has shown great potential since joining Lille and I hope he can make his national team debut tomorrow.

About the possible slack in the team

We lacked intensity in the first round, everyone wanted to play and score. But even if tomorrow's game is terrible, we have to remember that we have qualified. Don’t criticize us, I know you (journalists) very well! But we will still do our best, this is our responsibility.

About Gusteau

I am very happy for Gusteau. He still had some youthful energy when he started at Chelsea, but now he appears to be much more mature in his game. He is well-deserved to be selected for the national team, and his position at Chelsea is becoming increasingly important. He has a big influence both technically and physically and hopefully he can continue like that.

I have seen a lot of news about my future

(laughs). I don’t know where the news about Liverpool’s new offer for me came from. My agent is still negotiating with Liverpool. I hope a decision and announcement will be made soon.

About Azerbaijan and the match against Karabakh in the Champions League

First of all, the city is very beautiful (smile). We won’t pay too much attention to the upcoming game against Liverpool, but we know that this team is very good and it can be said that Azerbaijan has many good players.

About Serki

I choose the words carefully. I didn't see any difference in Cherki's performances when he played for Manchester City and France. He's an old-school player who loves to bring joy to the fans. As for his skills and his character, I really have no words to describe it. He has a balanced ability with both left and right feet, and over time he can become the core of the team. It's up to him and his efforts, but there's still a long way to go to get there. With his abilities, he can do very great things.