The 4-0 defeat was perhaps the most galling performance of the season from Arne Slot's side, but one defender was picked out for criticism during TNT Sports' post-match debrief
23:28, 04 Apr 2026
Ibrahima Konate reacts to conceding
Robbie Fowler criticized Ibrahima Konate following Liverpool's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City
Robbie Fowler criticized Ibrahima Konate’s body language and work rate during Liverpool’s 4-0 FA Cup defeat against Manchester City.
The Reds’ hopes of winning a domestic cup competition this season were dealt a devastating blow on Saturday as Pep Guardiola’s side emerged victorious at the Etihad, in what was another bruising encounter for Arne Slot.
Erling Haaland netted a hat-trick, with Antoine Semenyo also on target as Slot suffered the biggest defeat of his Liverpool tenure. It was Semenyo’s goal that irked Fowler, with Konate stopping at the edge of the box rather than continuing his run towards the net and potentially preventing the goal.
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“You know you have tough times; I mentioned before about leaders, just look at the reaction from Konate, that’s like a defeatist attitude, someone who sort of gives in,” Fowler told TNT Sports when reviewing the footage of Semenyo’s goal.
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great finish, the movement is great, it’s a good goal by City, but I actually want a bit more from my team defensively. I think Konate just gives in.
“I’ve seen it on more than one occasion this year with him where the ball goes past him and he’s quick to sort of give in.”
Arne Slot
Arne Slot said the only positive from Liverpool's 4-0 loss at Manchester City was that the losing margin wasn't greater(Image: Getty Images)
Another Liverpool player who suffered a dismal afternoon was Mohamed Salah. Playing for the first time since the news of his summer exit was confirmed, the Egyptian miscued a shot that ran out for a throw-in in the first half and then missed a penalty in the second period.
Fowler, who scored 183 goals during his accomplished Liverpool career, admitted he was unconvinced Salah would score from the spot.
“I think that was not only because of his performance but because of the chances he missed. He has got the quality to change games, but today he just wasn’t at it from the off.
“He put the ball down and, for my sins, I actually thought he was going to miss that. I hate myself for thinking that.”
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah missed a penalty in his first appearance since confirmation of his Liverpool exit was announced
Despite Salah’s struggles, Fowler feels he should still start in Paris on Wednesday.
“I mean, what are the other options you’ve got, who comes in?” the ex-striker posed.
“That’s the problem that you have for Liverpool. You want a little bit of experience, you want someone who has been on that stage because it’s a massive game.
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‘Of course, you’ll have players who will want to come in and do a good job, but Mo Salah is Mo Salah. He can, as much as he’s not had the best game today, he’s not had the greatest season, but he can be a difference so I think you’ve got to start him because I don’t think anyone can come in ahead of him.”