Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate seem to have formed a blossoming friendship since the former Eintracht Frankfurt ace chose to make a move to Anfield.
The duo are the only two French players among Liverpool’s ranks at the moment, with both of them becoming regular starters for Arne Slot.
Of the two, Ekitike has been the one in better form this season, with Konate putting in some of his worst-ever performances for Liverpool.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool in the rain during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at Etihad Stadium.
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
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However, after Ekitike’s outing against Manchester City on Sunday, that might get flipped on its head once again, especially if he doesn’t improve his performance once he’s returned from international duty.
Although none of Liverpool’s first-team squad have done all that much this season, the bromance between Ekitike and Konate seems to have grown strong, with the centre-back now admitting that he’s already had to tell his fellow countryman off.
Ibrahima Konate told Hugo Ekitike off for not going to the gym after Liverpool training
Before Ekitike joined Liverpool, the striker was overlooked by Didier Deschamps despite him being one of France’s most in-form number nines.
When he first arrived at Anfield, it felt like the Frenchman was going to be overlooked once again as Deschamps chose against taking him during September’s international break.
Now, however, he’s become a regular feature with Konate suggesting that Ekitike’s initial inclusion was down to him as he pushed him to better himself.
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“One time, I told him off a bit, but it was funny,” he said to CANAL+.
“We were supposed to go to the gym after training. He was tired because we put a lot of intensity into sessions; it is really hard.
“I go and see him to tell him to come to the gym, and he tells me, ‘But I’m shattered’. We don’t have to go to the gym, but it is better.
“So I looked at him and said, ‘Do you want a call-up to the France national team or what?’ Then I leave. One minute later, he is in the gym.”
Hugo Ekitike must bounce back from his poor Manchester City performance
Liverpool spent an awful lot of money on new players in the summer transfer window.
And, although each player was expected to improve Liverpool’s first-team squad, only one or two have actually put in decent performances.
Ekitike has been the stand-out signing of the bunch, which has come as a surprise to many.
Most thought he’d be used as Alexander Isak’s back-up, but instead, it’s been the opposite way around.
For the most part, Ekitike’s Liverpool performances have been impressive, but, if we’re being honest, he was shocking against Man City.
Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Eintracht Frankfurt and Liverpool FC at Frankfurt Stadion
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
This is far from ideal for Slot as Isak isn’t fully fit yet, and even though Cody Gakpo can be used there if needed, he’s likely to be used on the left wing in Liverpool’s next couple of games due to how much football Florian Wirtz has played.
This means that, unless Ekitike can get straight back out of his slump, Liverpool could find themselves in some real trouble.