Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate shared a light-hearted moment with France teammate and Premier League title rival Arsenal’s William Saliba.
The two centre-backs, currently away on international duty with the French national team, took a moment to joke and reflect on the ongoing title race between their clubs.
While it might seem a little early in the season to talk about titles, both Liverpool and Arsenal find themselves at the sharp end of the table once again. The Gunners are currently top of the summit, a point ahead of Arne Slot’s side after the Reds’ back-to-back Premier League defeats and the friendly rivalry between Konate and Saliba was on full display.
The pair were interacting with supporters when Konate was handed a fan’s picture showing him planting a kiss on the Premier League trophy. The Liverpool defender couldn’t resist using it as a chance to tease his compatriot.
“Hey Wilo! It’s you, huh! It’s for you this year!” Konate laughed, drawing a grin from Saliba.
His Arsenal counterpart quickly fired back: “Nah, nah, it’s for you this year! It’s Liverpool again… gotta put the pressure on them!”
It was a light hearted exchange between two key players who have become cornerstones for their respective clubs and who could play defining roles in the title race come Spring.
?? Liverpool's Ibrahima Konaté (26) teases Arsenal's William Saliba (24) whilst signing a pic of him kissing the Premier League trophy: "Hey Wilo, it's yours this year."
Saliba responds: "No, it's Liverpool again, gotta put the pressure on them."pic.twitter.com/Ke1PjtHY0s
— Get French Football News (@GFFN) October 8, 2025
Liverpool’s blistering start to the season has stalled in recent weeks. After opening with five straight Premier League wins, Arne Slot’s side have now suffered consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace and Chelsea, losing their grip on top spot.
Arsenal currently lead the table with 16 points, one ahead of Liverpool, while Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth are close behind on 14. Manchester City, perhaps ominously, lurk in fifth on 13 points.
The international break, then, has arguably come at a good time. Slot’s team looked physically and mentally drained after an intense opening to the campaign, and the Dutchman will hope this pause offers a chance to reset and recover.
The Reds last international window in September proved useful they returned from it with three consecutive wins. Slot will want a similar reaction this time around, particularly with Manchester United visiting Anfield on October 19.
For Konate, the break is also a valuable opportunity to manage his own fitness. The 25-year-old has endured a series of niggling muscle issues which recently reoccurred during the defeat against Chelsea where he needed to be substituted which have disrupted both his rhythm and Liverpool’s defensive balance.
But the France international was still called up for international duty a sign that the issue was not considered serious.
Sources close to the France camp have indicated that Konate’s workload will be monitored closely across the two World Cup qualifiers against Azerbaijan on Friday and Iceland on Monday.
Liverpool will be watching closely. With a crucial run of games ahead including matches in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
Despite recent setbacks, the reigning champions remain well placed in the title race, and there is optimism that the international break could serve as a turning point.
Slot’s side have shown flashes of brilliance, but individual errors and a lack of balance have cost them in recent games. The Dutchman knows his team cannot afford to let that pattern continue, particularly with Manchester United next on the horizon.
A convincing victory over their fiercest rivals would not only lift spirits but also reassert Liverpool’s intent after a shaky few weeks. For Konate, staying fit and in form could make all the difference.
And if his light-hearted banter with Saliba is anything to go by, the Frenchman’s confidence hasn’t been shaken and Liverpool supporters will hope Saliba’s words prove prophetic.
