On the testing nature of the ongoing build-up to the new season, Konate said: “For sure, we can see [that] in the training videos that everyone can see.
“But I think this is very good for us and we need that. We need to train very hard for this season because I think every team wants to beat us – and we want to protect our trophy from last season as well.
“Then we need to work in these hard conditions with this hard weather. Just to be ready for the season because the season will be very difficult.”
The No.5 is heading towards his fifth campaign with the club since joining from RB Leipzig back in the summer of 2021.
By contrast, his French compatriot Hugo Ekitike is in the infancy of his Liverpool career having sealed a move from Eintracht Frankfurt just days ago.
Konate is ready to be of any support to the Reds’ newest recruit as he settles in to a different environment.
“Yes, yes, yes, for sure,” he said. “This is normal if you are older than someone who comes to the club, for sure you have to look after him.
“Help him to adapt if he needs anything in the city or in the club, just to be there for him. That’s what I’m doing with him.
“It’s not only me. For sure you have some people who are more leaders than other players, but we are here for every new player to help them.”
