Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Ibrahima Konaté’s dedication after the defender made an early return from compassionate leave following the death of his father to help the team during a defensive crisis.

Konaté had missed the Reds’ previous three matches but cut short his planned absence when he saw the club’s injury woes, with four defenders sidelined, including Joe Gomez. His return proved memorable, as he scored Liverpool’s fourth goal in Saturday’s 4-1 comeback win over Newcastle United, giving the champions their first Premier League victory in over a month.

“He has had a very difficult two weeks,” Slot said. “He was planning to return later this week, which would have meant he couldn’t play this game. But when he saw the defensive problems, he called me early in the week and said, ‘I want to be back to help the team against Newcastle.’

“He came back on Wednesday and trained twice with us. Not only did he score, but he played a great game. The fans appreciated him throughout, especially when he found the net.”

After scoring, Konaté was mobbed by teammates, including goalkeeper Alisson, who ran the length of the pitch to celebrate with him. The French defender wiped away tears as the Anfield crowd gave him a standing ovation.

“I don’t have words to describe what I feel right now,” Konaté told TNT Sports. “It has been a very difficult moment for me and my family over the past two weeks. But this is part of life. I knew the team had injured players, and the manager said I should take my time. In this situation, it was important for me to come back and help the team.”

Konaté’s goal capped a strong Liverpool performance that also saw Hugo Ekitike score twice and Florian Wirtz net for the first time in the match, securing Liverpool’s first win in six Premier League games.

“Everyone was cheering for Ibou and Florian when they came in after TV interviews, but especially for Ibou,” Slot added. “This team has shown that we support each other in difficult circumstances, and the players were there for him these past few days.”

The win lifts Liverpool provisionally to fifth in the Premier League, one point above Manchester United, who face Fulham on Sunday.