Mohammed Salah and Jurgen Klopp became entangled in a violent touchline fight as Liverpool’s title aspirations were all but dashed against West Ham.
The Egyptian striker was set to make three substitutions in an attempt to salvage a share of the Premier League title for Liverpool.
But after Michail Antonio headed in Jarrod Bowen’s cross to tie the score at two, Salah and Klopp started yelling at one other from the sidelines.
Darwin Nunez, who was also joining the game as part of the triple change, was forced to step in and try to defuse an obviously enraged Salah by extending his arm.
With eleven minutes remaining in the match, Salah finally entered the fray, but the visitors were tied rather than ahead.
Near the end of a subpar first half, Bowen had given West Ham the lead before Andy Robertson gave the Reds back parity. Additionally, Cody Gakpo’s shot gave Liverpool, who had made five changes from the Merseyside derby loss at Everton midweek, the lead after it deflected off three Hammers players and into the goal.
Instead of applauding the departing fans who were traveling, Salah marched straight down the tunnel after the final whistle blew.
Klopp stated, “No,” in response to a question from TNT Sport on the argument and whether he could talk about what was said. We had already chatted in the changing area.
With Salah’s play under intense criticism in recent weeks, Klopp decided to start the game with him on the bench for the second time in three games. After the loss at Everton, Kop icon Jamie Carragher acknowledged that Salah’s future should be questioned for the first time.
“We’ve never approached the new manager about Mo Salah’s future before, so there is a genuine conversation about what lies ahead for him. After the Merseyside Derby, Jamie Carragher commented on Sky Sports, “He only has a year to go on his contract.”
“He hasn’t looked like himself for the most of the season, but especially after his injury recovery. He is a superstar, a legend, and one of Liverpool’s all-time greats. However, he’s been really off base.”
Peter Crouch stated of the Salah-Klopp dispute: “It didn’t look good.” I’m not sure I understand exactly what they’re saying, but it didn’t look nice and didn’t seem right for the club.
“Listen, Mo Salah will be furious because he starts most of Liverpool’s games. His being on the bench will infuriate him. Such players, who are anticipated to start, are never content, but it is unpleasant for anyone to witness this dynamic between a manager and a true vital player.
“Not good at all,” Ally McCoist continued. Especially when one of Mo Salah’s teammates has to step in to stop him from returning for another bite. That kind of stuff belongs behind closed doors; it doesn’t look nice.
Additionally, McCoist responded, “Yeah, I do actually,” when asked if he thought Salah would follow Klopp out the Anfield exit this summer. He has been absolutely outstanding for Liverpool Football Club and has been one of the best players we have seen in this league, in my opinion. However, his form has declined, and I don’t think anyone can dispute that.
And although it’s just conjecture, it appears to me that he might be moving. One of these scenarios might work well for both of them.
“Mo Salah may be better off moving on, and Liverpool may be better off reinvesting the money they will receive in him.”