FeatureFive things we learned from 'The Reds Roundtable' with Jota, Konate and Mac Allister

Produced with main club partner Standard Chartered, presenter Vicky Gomersall hosted the trio at the Liverpool Olympia for a hugely insightful discussion about their upbringings and careers to date.

Read on for five things we learned from the episode…

Signing for Liverpool is a life-changing moment

You have to see it to believe it, according to Konate.

That is knowing exactly how it is to represent Liverpool FC and its global fanbase.

"I remember before signing for Liverpool, I spoke with Jürgen [Klopp]," Konate begins. "He told me, 'The day you when you will sign, you will see your life will change completely.'

"I was like, 'Yes, OK, I can trust you.' But I didn't expect like that…

"Everywhere when I travel in the world, we have so many fans everywhere. This changed everything for me.

"Honestly, to be in this club, this means a lot of things because I'm a part of this story, of this club and I really hope this season and the seasons of the future we will do great things as well. I'm really happy to be here. It's just a dream."

'I can see a team'

To Mac Allister, the Liverpool squad are great people trying to achieve great things.

On building the Reds' chemistry, the Argentinian says: "I don't know if it's easy but I can see a team. I can see a team.

"To be a good human being is so important. In this club everyone is a really good human being – and that makes everything easier."

The three point to last season's improbable victory in the Carabao Cup final as the ultimate example of the healthy environment established at the AXA Training Centre.

Contending with injuries and fresh-faced youngsters being thrust onto the Wembley stage, Liverpool persevered and overcame Chelsea deep into extra-time.

"This night we showed the world that we are one," Mac Allister states.

Konate adds: "How well they [the youngsters] played during this game, it's unbelievable. Because when I was young, I remember when I stepped [up to] the first team when I was 17, the players who were in the first team were not really close with us. They were not good with us then. We had a lot of pressure and it was very hard for us.

"Especially in this game, you feel like they were very free, they just played how they play. I think this is because of how we are with them and this is like we are a family."

A fearless Jota arrived at Liverpool

Jota arrived at Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

And in his way for opportunities in Jürgen Klopp's attack were the world-renowned trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

He was undaunted.

Jota explains: "For me, the opportunity to come from Wolves to Liverpool is one you cannot really refuse.

"Then it's about the present and the future. So, if I do well now and I'm in a better shape now, I will end up playing – and that was all my focus.

"These moments are nice to see after but you cannot rely on them tomorrow, so you need to do it again.

"Everyone [helped] in their own way. Mo, he loves to talk with you if you want but he sets the example. Sadio, [I] always tried to communicate with him as well – we had a good relationship on the pitch as well. And with Bobby, we just [spoke] the same language, so our families went along well, still speak nowadays.

"I felt like they felt I was one more to help them and the team."

Ibou was a frontman

Speaking of strikers, Konate reveals how his footballing journey started at the top end of the pitch.

The revelation draws astonishment from Jota and Mac Allister.

So what happened?

"He couldn't score so he had to go back!" offers Mac Allister.

Konate says: "I don't know. After, I played midfield and [then] centre-back. For my body and how quick I was, I think this [centre-back] was my best position."

Sharing is caring

Once neighbours, Jota could always rely on the friendly face of Konate should he require anything.

Jota kept that in mind when he was doing some home renovations.

The No.20 reveals: "We were neighbours for two seasons. I was kind of doing some alterations [with] the furniture and stuff, so I just needed a bit of extra space. I rented Ibou's garage."

Konate interrupts: "For free, for free!"