Carragher Fires Back After Former Teammate Slams His Konaté Remarks

Former Liverpool defender Djimi Traoré has publicly challenged Jamie Carragher after the Sky Sports pundit criticised Ibrahima Konaté following Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.

Konaté, like many of Liverpool’s title-defending squad, has had a difficult start to the season. He played a major role in City’s opening goal when a miscontrolled clearance bounced off Erling Haaland and looped over goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The mistake led Carragher to suggest that Konaté has been “at the centre of” Liverpool’s issues this campaign.

But Traoré took issue with Carragher’s assessment.

Traoré Claps Back at Carragher’s Comments

Carragher has been vocal in his criticism of Konaté this season, previously describing the Frenchman as “shocking” after the 4–2 win over Bournemouth, where Konaté was involved in both goals conceded.

Carragher doubled down again after the City loss. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said:

> “I just want to focus on this matchup between Konaté and Haaland. Konaté is struggling — we say this every week. He tries to flick the ball instead of attacking it. When Liverpool concede, he’s often involved. He’s great in big games at Anfield, but away from home he disappears.”

The comments prompted Traoré — who made 88 appearances for Liverpool between 1999 and 2006 — to reply on X (formerly Twitter), arguing that Konaté isn’t the only one underperforming and that the entire squad has fallen short of expectations.

Carragher didn’t push back, responding:

> “That’s absolutely fine, my dear friend!”

Konaté had looked back to his solid best during Liverpool’s Champions League win over Real Madrid at Anfield last week, but he couldn’t maintain that level at the Etihad. The failed clearance that led to Haaland’s goal came shortly after another mistake that resulted in a City penalty.

With his contract entering its final eight months, questions continue to swirl about Konaté’s future. He will be hoping to regain last season’s form when Liverpool return from the international break to face a revitalised Nottingham Forest on November 22.