Ibrahima Konate has revealed how he challenged Hugo Ekitike to push himself with the carrot of a French national team call-up.
While his Liverpool performances may not be proving his experience, Konate has been showing leadership when it comes to motivating his compatriot, Ekitike.
This season saw the forward receive his first call-up to Didier Deschamps’ national team, and he has since made four appearances for Les Bleus.
Speaking to Canal Plus, Konate revealed how he dangled the carrot of international football to motivate his teammate.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 16, 2025: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and Atlético de Madrid. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“One time I told him off a bit, but it was funny,” Konate said.
“We were supposed to go to the gym after one of the training sessions and the intensity we put into training, it’s true that it’s very hard and he was tired.
“I go and see him and I tell him, ‘Come on, we’re going to the gym’.
“And he told me, ‘I’m shattered, I’m tired’.
“In fact, we don’t have to go to the gym but it’s better to go because we’re called. I look at him and for two seconds, I don’t talk to him and I said to him, ‘Do you want to go to the France team or not?’
“And then I leave. One minute later, he was in the dining room (ready to go to the gym).”
Konate went on to emphasise his belief in Ekitike despite the learning curve he is facing at Liverpool.
The defender added: “The anecdote is a bit funny but afterwards, he quickly understood how it happened.
“In terms of work, he’s someone who is very diligent and who will progress, I have no doubt about that.”
The motivation has indeed helped Ekitike who is Liverpool’s top scorer this season with six goals in all competitions. He is also in the France squad for their two upcoming fixtures.
France’s World Cup qualification hopes
PARIS, FRANCE - Friday, November 10, 2017: France head coach Didier Deschamps before the international friendly match between France and Wales at the Stade de France. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Up next for France is Ukraine at home on Thursday before a trip to Azerbaijan on Sunday.
At the moment, they top of Group D with 10 points from four matches. Ukraine lie three points behind with Iceland another three further back.
Azerbaijan have just one point, picked up in a home 1-1 draw against Ukraine in September.
For Konate and co. to gain an automatic qualifying spot for next summer’s World Cup, they need just one point in their next match.
Securing their World Cup position on Thursday could mean an opportunity for Ekitike to amass more minutes in their final match against Azerbaijan, as it would be a chance for Deschamps to rest some of their usual attack that consists of Bradley Barcola, Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe and Jean-Philippe Mateta.