Ibrahima Konate lifts lid on relationship with Arsenal star amid Liverpool title battle

Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has opened up on his friendship with Arsenal rival William Saliba as he referred to his international teammate as his "brother".

The French center-back has enjoyed a strong start to the campaign as he re-established his partnership at the heart of the Reds' backline alongside Virgil van Dijk. The 25-year-old lost his starting place during the later months of Jurgen Klopp's tenure but he has looked like a player reborn under new boss Arne Slot.

The Merseysiders boast the best defensive record in the Premier League after 11 games, with Konate an ever-present during the first 11 games of the term. With the Reds currently top of the division, expected title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal already have some catching up to do at this early stage of the season.

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Despite this tussle for championship, Konate has revealed that his friendship with Gunners stalwart Saliba is still as strong as ever. Reflecting on his pal being preferred to him by Didier Deschamps during the Euros over the summer, the Reds ace said: "The tough part was to start regularly and not to play in a major tournament for which we prepared. From a private and personal standpoint, it was tough.

"But now, William Saliba is a friend and like a brother to me. I told him it was his moment, and that he had to seize it," he continued, as he praised his friend for his strong showings for Liverpool's title foes. He added: Given his performances with Arsenal, he deserved it too. I was happy for him."

Going into more detail about his struggle for a starting berth during the Euros, Konate told Canal+: "I hadn’t played in recent months and I lacked rhythm, you could feel it in training. The coach told me that today, there are better players than me in this position. It was a big lesson for me. Nothing is ever taken for granted in life."

Speaking following the Reds' 2-0 win over Aston Villa before the international break, the former RB Leipzig defender also was effusive in his praise for head coach Slot. The victory over the Midlands outfit meant that the Dutchman has masterminded a staggering run of 15 wins in his opening 17 games.

Konate said: "You just have to see our results – we start the season very well. But I don't want to put too much pressure on him. I know he's a perfectionist but now it's just the start of the season, we just have to work and to be better day after day. At the end of the season, we will see the impact that he brings to us."

Meanwhile, the 19-time international issued some words of encouragement to teammate Darwin Nunez after the Uruguayan bagged the opening goal in the clash with Villa. He said: "I'm very happy for him [Nunez] and he has to keep going, keep pushing and he will score more goals, I'm sure."