Jürgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah had an argument during the draw with West Ham. This weekend against Tottenham, the Egyptian might make a comeback to the starting lineup.
Ange Postecoglou was an animated figure on the touchline ( Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Jürgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has downplayed his altercation with Mohamed Salah on the touchline during the draw with West Ham. As Salah readied himself to enter the game for the last ten minutes, the two clashed at the London Stadium last weekend.
The Egyptian took issue with something his manager said on the side of the pitch and was clearly upset about being named as one of Liverpool’s substitutes. After that, at full time, Salah issued a warning to the waiting media, stating, “There is going to be fire today, if I speak.”
This week at training, Salah seemed upbeat, and Klopp is certain that the issue has been settled. “There isn’t a problem. Before the match against Tottenham, Klopp stated at his press conference, “We are absolutely fine.”
“I’m not sure how we would handle it if we hadn’t known each other for a long time, but we do respect each other so much. However, the ideal scenario is one in which everyone is happy, we win lots of games and goals, and then situations like that do not occur.”
With his contract set to expire at the end of the following season, Salah’s future at Liverpool has come under scrutiny following the incident. Although Liverpool is reportedly planning for him to stay put this summer, Saudi Pro League clubs are expected to rekindle their interest in him, according to The Athletic.
Regarding his future, Klopp continued, saying, “I shouldn’t talk about it, but he is amazing.” The decision will be made by others. I only work to support the club’s foundation for the future; those choices belong to others.”
Liverpool enters this weekend’s match against Tottenham having won just one of their previous five Premier League games. But, Klopp’s team qualified for the Champions League after Spurs’ Thursday night loss to Chelsea.
Not only that, but Klopp acknowledges that his team’s placing in the top four is a success, even with the failed title challenge. “It doesn’t feel like that to everyone, but it does to me, and that is how perspective can change throughout a season,” he continued.
“At one point, or for a little while longer, it seemed like we could go all the way. However, it didn’t work out, so we are likely in third place behind two teams that finish all the way.” Even at the beginning of the season, everyone understood the significance of the Champions League, and it still does.”
