Ibrahima Konate has pledged to "fight back" following a difficult period of form, as reports suggest Real Madrid have cooled their pursuit of the Liverpool defender. The Frenchman is among several Reds stars whose performances have declined sharply during a dismal spell that has seen Arne Slot's side suffer nine losses in 12 matches across all competitions.

The centre-back has been withdrawn early in the second period during Liverpool's last two outings - a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League and Wednesday's disastrous 4-1 Champions League reverse against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

Taking to social media before Sunday's vital clash at West Ham United, Konate addressed the Liverpool faithful directly, reports the Liverpool Echo. "We have to take this moment on the chest," said Konate. "Criticism is part of football, and we'll fight back every time and come through this storm. In these moments, the fans matter most.

"The ones who stand with us in the good times and the bad - the ones who sing for us even in the difficult moments! Your voice and your support mean everything to us. We know we need to improve and we'll keep fighting for you. Always."

READ MORE: Arne Slot handed radical solution to rescue season as Liverpool agreement reached

READ MORE: Alan Shearer picks sides in Mohamed Salah row as four Liverpool stars ripped apart

With his current deal expiring at the season's end and contract negotiations yet to reach a breakthrough, Konate will be eligible to enter discussions with foreign clubs from 1st January.

However, several Spanish reports on Friday morning suggested that long-term admirers Real Madrid have made it clear to Liverpool that they will not be pursuing a free transfer for the 26-year-old next summer.

Konate's words have echoed those of Arne Slot, who spoke to the media on Thursday. Asked if he felt let down by his players, Slot responded: "No, not at all. Although I do agree with you that out standards have not been up to the standards that we're used to and we want.

"But last year when we did really well there was a focus on certain individuals, but I've always said it's about the group."

"A lot of pressure if you work at a top club, even more so if you losing more than this club is used," he added. "There is always pressure, last year it was to win the league but now it is a different pressure. Maybe my job is easier because I don't have to play.

"It's hard for every player, when we go down after five minutes and play well first half and then we concede second half, so we get knock after knock after knock. So we keep fighting. It is what we did so well last year and it is the minimum we expect over 90 minutes."

Join our LFC WhatsApp community and get all the latest LFC news, views, transfer gossip and more, as it happens We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.