Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate has challenged the Anfield crowd to replicate a ‘crazy atmosphere’ for Aston Villa’s visit on Sunday.

The towering French defender made a rapid recovery from an arm injury to start in Liverpool’s 4-0 thumping of Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday. Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso also returned to Anfield for the Champions League tie and received a warm reception.

Arne Slot’s side were kept goalless for the opening hour before Luis Diaz nabbed the first of his hat-trick. “The atmosphere was crazy today,” Konate gushed while speaking to Liverpool’s official website. “I hope the fans will keep going like that until the end of the season.”

Liverpool host Champions League-chasing Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, aiming to maintain their record-breaking start to life under Slot.

“Honestly, we need Anfield,” Konate admitted. “Everyone, when they play against Liverpool – it’s one of the best clubs in the world – [so] especially when they come here, they just want to win because if you win against Liverpool, it’s a big story for them.

“When they come here, they have more energy and they’re playing with 2000% and we need the fans. If the fans are with us, it’s just unbelievable how we can play.”

Slot’s side have won 14 of their first 16 games this season, although their only defeat was against Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Konate tried to urge against complacency despite Liverpool’s lofty position at the top of the Premier League table and the Champions League standings. “It’s just the start,” the centre-back warned.

“We just have to keep going and keep working, nothing is done now. We have so many games until the end of the season. I hope everyone will stay fit and healthy. It’s the last game before the international break and we just hope for three points.”

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