Liverpool faces Nottingham Forest on Monday under mounting pressure after five losses in their last six Premier League matches. The international break has brought fresh scrutiny on struggling new signing Florian Wirtz and uncertainty over defender Ibrahima Konate's contract situation.
The 22-year-old German midfielder has yet to register a goal or assist since his £116 million summer transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. Newcastle recruit Nick Woltemade, a German teammate, offered an indirect assessment of Wirtz's adaptation challenges. He told RTL: «For every player adjusting isn't easy. On paper, you might not see the goals but if you compare my games with his he's much more involved in the game.»
Woltemade added: «I'm probably in the right place three or four times, get the ball and put it in the net. He on the other hand is very active in the game. He has many touches and makes good plays.»
Konate contract talks ongoing
French defender Ibrahima Konate addressed his contract situation ahead of France's match against Azerbaijan. His current deal expires in 2026, with Real Madrid reportedly monitoring the situation. He told TF1: «My agents continue to discuss with Liverpool. I hope my decision will be made very soon so I can announce it.»
Konate dismissed reports that Liverpool had already tabled fresh terms, saying: «I don't know where that's coming from.» He expressed frustration over media speculation, telling TF1: «It's difficult, we can't say everything because a lot of things are already being said in the media. Some of the things that I read, I'm like… oh la la. That puts me in a tight spot with Liverpool fans, and they don't even know all the ins and outs.»
Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has also struggled since being thrust into prominence following Alisson's hamstring injury. He conceded a penalty within 11 minutes and was caught out for Spain's second goal in Georgia's 4-0 World Cup qualifying defeat on Saturday.
Liverpool's recent slump includes a 3-0 loss to Manchester City and a 2-1 defeat to Manchester United last month. Coach Arne Slot seeks improvement as his side prepares to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
