Ibrahima Konaté urges Premier League to emulate Ligue 1 as Liverpool face grueling schedule

Liverpool FC defender Ibrahima Konaté has called on the Premier League to adopt a more supportive approach for clubs competing in Europe, urging officials to take inspiration from Ligue 1 by postponing domestic fixtures during crucial Champions League ties.

The French centre-back of Malian descent made the appeal following Liverpool’s disappointing 2-0 defeat away to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

While the Reds must quickly regroup ahead of Saturday’s league encounter against Fulham FC, PSG have been handed a significant advantage. Ligue 1’s governing body agreed to postpone the Parisians’ domestic fixture against RC Lens, allowing Luis Enrique’s side a full week to prepare for the decisive second leg at Anfield.

Speaking after the match, Konaté highlighted the contrast in scheduling, expressing his frustration at what he perceives as a lack of consideration for English clubs balancing domestic and European commitments.

“Last season, it was the same. I wish we had the same thing in the Premier League, but it’s completely different,” he said.

Despite his disappointment, the defender acknowledged the benefits of Ligue 1’s policy, even voicing support for PSG’s preparation strategy as they aim to go deep in the competition. However, he remained firm in his belief that English football authorities should rethink their stance.

“I’m happy for them because they have this help to go far in the Champions League,” Konaté added. “But I’m hoping the Premier League will do the same in the future—or why not even this season—for the teams who play in the Champions League as well.”

With the return leg looming large, Liverpool face the difficult task of overturning a two-goal deficit while navigating a packed domestic schedule—an issue that continues to fuel debate over fixture congestion and competitive balance at the highest level of European football.