InterviewIbrahima Konate on Wolves, Cody Gakpo and World Cup motivation

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.

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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."

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