InterviewIbrahima Konate on Wolves, Cody Gakpo and World Cup motivation
Ibrahima Konate believes the Emirates FA Cup tie with Wolverhampton Wanderers represents the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to show a response.
The Reds' defence of the trophy they lifted in May begins on Saturday evening when Julen Lopetegui's side visit Anfield for a third-round meeting.
As well as looking to progress in the competition, the encounter provides a chance for Konate and his teammates to return to winning ways after the disappointment of the defeat at Brentford earlier this week.
Inside Training: Watch as Cody Gakpo joins Reds in Wolves cup tie preparations
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The No.5 told Liverpoolfc.com: "Of course we know Wolves, we play against them a lot of times.
"I didn't play against them but I saw the games last season and I know we will play against great players – especially one who I played with in Germany, [Matheus] Cunha. It will be a good game.
"We know we lost the game against Brentford – this was very hard for us. Now I think it's a good time to respond and to change the way against Wolves. I hope we will win against them."
New arrival Cody Gakpo could come into contention for the 8pm GMT kick-off after the formalities of his transfer from PSV Eindhoven were completed on Tuesday.
"I only trained with him [on Thursday] and he's comfortable, he's happy to be here," Konate said.
"We are also happy to be with him in this season and we know he did a very great World Cup. I hope he will help us a lot."
The game at Brentford was Konate's first action for Liverpool since returning from the World Cup.
The centre-half made five appearances for France during the Qatar tournament, which ultimately ended in heartbreak as they were defeated by Argentina in a thrilling final.
Konate reflected: "Of course the World Cup was an unbelievable experience and I enjoyed it a lot.
"Of course I didn't win against Argentina in the final but now I have to try to forget that and come back with Liverpool and give everything to make great things this season."
