A Friendly Challenge Between French Teammates
When Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool for £79 million from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, he was welcomed in an unexpected way.
His fellow Frenchman, Ibrahima Konate, decided to test him a little — all in good fun.
Konate told Canal+ that after a tough training session, Ekitike was tired and didn’t want to go to the gym.
“He said, ‘I’m dead, I can’t move.’ I looked at him and asked, ‘Do you want to go to the French national team or not?’” Konate laughed.
A minute later, Ekitike got up and went to the gym.
Konate said it was a small joke, but it helped Ekitike understand how hard Liverpool players work every day.
Ekitike’s Great Start at Liverpool
Since his big move to Liverpool, Ekitike has quickly shown why the club paid so much for him.
He has scored six goals and made one assist in 16 games, helping the Reds stay close to the top of the Premier League table.
He even scored on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth, making an instant impact.
Manager Arne Slot loves his energy, movement, and teamwork — all key parts of Liverpool’s pressing style.
Ekitike has also taken the starting spot from Alexander Isak, who has been recovering from a fitness issue. The competition between them is pushing both to do better.
France Calls Him Up
Ekitike’s form for Liverpool earned him a place in the French national team this season.
Coach Didier Deschamps gave him his first senior call-up in August, and the 23-year-old has already made four appearances for France.
Konate says Ekitike deserves all the praise.
“He works very hard and learns quickly,” said the defender. “He will keep getting better, for sure.”
Konate’s Future Still Uncertain
While Ekitike is settling in well, Konate’s own future at Liverpool is not so clear.
The 25-year-old’s contract runs until 2026, but talks for a new deal have not gone smoothly.
Big clubs like Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich are said to be interested if Liverpool doesn’t extend his contract soon.
For now, though, he remains one of the team’s most trusted defenders and a key leader in the dressing room.
Conclusion: Tough Love That Works
Konate’s “hard time” moment might have been just a small joke, but it shows how strong the spirit is inside Liverpool’s squad.
He wants Ekitike to succeed — not only at Anfield but also with France.
And if Ekitike keeps working the way he has started, Liverpool may have found their next big star.