"I have to level up": Ibrahima Konate ahead of Liverpool's pre-season tour

Anfield [UK], July 17 (ANI): Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate is looking to level up his game as the 2023/24 campaign gets closer. 
He arrived from Bundesliga outfit, RB Leipzig in 2021, and made 53 appearances in all competitions. He has already won three trophies by lifting the Emirates FA Cup, Carabao Cup and FA Community Shield. 
As Liverpool prepares to play their first game of the pre-season tour on Wednesday, Konate is looking to set a personal benchmark to start the season strongly. 
While speaking to Liverpoolfc.com the French defender said, "I'm very happy to be here and I want to win a lot of trophies with this club because it's an amazing club with big history. I want to be a big part of this club and win a lot of trophies with this club."
"I think this season, the third season, I have to level up and show another personality of me on the pitch and in life as well. I have a lot of objectives – a lot of clean sheets, help my team, score some goals and win some trophies," Konate added. 
Konate had to step out of his comfort zone as Jurgen Klopp decided to make a tactical switch last season. 
The hybrid role has made Trent Alexander-Arnold more involved in attacking leaving Konate with the defensive responsibilities in Liverpool's backline. Konate feels that this change in system has made him a better player. 
"Yes, maybe [it] made me a better player because I have to do more, because I have more space to defend. But I have a nice team to help me do this and this season let's see what will happen. But I have a nice team to help me do this and this season let's see what will happen," Konate signed off. 
Liverpool will play their first pre-season game against Karlrusher on Wednesday at the BBBank Wildpark, Germany. (ANI)