"He has had a very difficult two weeks. He was planning to be back for the end of this week and it would have meant he could not play this game, but when he saw the problems we had defensively, he called me early this week and said: I want to be back to help the team against Newcastle'. He came back on Wednesday and trained twice with us."
"Today, not only he scored a goal, but he played a great game and the fans were really appreciative throughout the whole game, but definitely at the end when he scored. His teammates were just as appreciative when he came in the dressing room after the final whistle. Everyone was cheering for Ibou and Florian [Wirtz] when they came in after doing TV interviews, but especially for Ibou, Slot added."
"Slot also praised Hugo Ekitike for two goals that transformed the game, against the club who tried to sign him last summer before he opted for Anfield. From the start, everyone could see how special he is and fast he is, added Slot. We have seen this with the second goal he scored. He took a one-versus-one and beat them on the outside, this is very difficult. I would love to mention his biggest improvement is his work-rate off the ball."
Ibrahima Konaté returned from compassionate leave following his father's death to rejoin Liverpool early amid a defensive crisis. He trained twice after returning and started the match, scoring his first Premier League goal at Anfield and becoming visibly emotional in front of the Kop. Teammates and fans celebrated his contribution, and the dressing-room reaction was strongly supportive. Head coach Arne Slot praised Konaté's decision to return and his performance, and also lauded Hugo Ekitike for two decisive goals and improved off-the-ball work-rate. The 4-1 victory left Newcastle tenth and six points behind Liverpool in the Champions League race.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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