Mo Salah hinted at underlying tensions, cryptically stating, “if I speak today, there will be fire,” following an apparent clash with Jurgen Klopp on the touchline during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against West Ham.
The incident unfolded as Salah, omitted from the starting lineup after a contentious performance in the Merseyside derby, awaited his substitution with 11 minutes remaining at The London Stadium.
During a lull in play, Klopp engaged Salah on the touchline, leading to a brief exchange of words before Salah was intervened by Joe Gomez and Darwin Nunez.
Salah opted to bypass post-match interviews as he traversed through the mixed zone.
Klopp, when pressed about the incident, remained tight-lipped, stating, “We spoke already in the dressing room. For me, that’s done.”
On whether Salah considered the matter resolved, Klopp responded, “That’s my impression, yes,” during the press conference.
Footage captured Salah’s approach towards the touchline alongside Nunez and Gomez for his substitution, with Klopp extending his hand for a shake. After a hesitant moment, Salah eventually shook Klopp’s hand before an exchange ensued.
Subsequently, Klopp embraced Nunez and Gomez, but another confrontation with Salah transpired as West Ham missed an opportunity, captured by TV cameras.
Liverpool’s recent setback compounds their challenges in the Premier League title race, with Klopp’s side securing only one victory in their last five league matches.
They currently trail second-placed Manchester City by a single point, who possess two games in hand, and are two points behind leaders Arsenal, who have a game in hand.
