Jurgen Klopp had kind words for France manager Didier Deschamps after Liverpool’s Europa League win over Toulouse.
The Reds thumped the French Cup winners 5-1 on Thursday. Toulouse quickly overcame Diogo Jota’s opener but France were unable to stop the red avalanche, scoring four unanswered goals.
Summer signing Ryan Gravenbirch impressed once again and earned praise from Jurgen Klopp after the game. “He’s a good player,” the Reds manager told TNT Sports. “I am very happy that he is enjoying football again. His first touch was incredible and his acceleration on the ball was incredible.
He’s not even half done yet. The good thing is that there is still a lot of room for improvement.”But speaking to the French press, the German was much harsher about Ibrahim Konate’s absence, with Klopp blaming France manager Didier Deschamps for it.
In an interview with RMC Sport, the 56-year-old said: “He (Konate) didn’t start tonight. That person isn’t even on the team. I like everything about Ibu, but the problem is that Ibu has had injury problems at times and Deschamps is using him now because he played 90 and 87 minutes in the two games [against the Netherlands and Scotland].
Give him time to rest.”“Obviously he could have played tonight but he has to play again on Sunday. I told Ibu. I told Mr. Deschamps that this is the way to rest a player. It’s not just 3 minutes. But we are happy with Ibou, a fantastic kid and a super player, and France can be very happy with him.
“Since joining the Reds from RB Leipzig in 2021, Konate has suffered three injuries that have forced him to miss Liverpool games, most recently in August.
