‘Why would you do that?’ - Liverpool legend blames Klopp for Salah spat

Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah exchanged words before the Liverpool forward's introduction against West Ham (Imago/Sportimage)

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Jurgen Klopp and Mohamed Salah exchanged words before the Liverpool forward's introduction against West Ham (Imago/Sportimage)

‘Why would you do that?’ - Liverpool legend blames Klopp for Salah spat

Seye Omidiora 13:23 - 28.04.2024

Stevie Nicol believes the Liverpool manager made uncomplimentary comments to the Egyptian which sparked the pair's heated exchange against West Ham.

Former Liverpool defender Stevie Nicol has blamed Jurgen Klopp for the disagreement with Mohamed Salah in Saturday’s Premier League game with West Ham United at the London Stadium.

What happened? 

Before Salah’s 79th-minute introduction, a missed West Ham chance saw Klopp turn to Salah on the touchline, sparking the exchange, before the forward was pacified by Darwin Nunez and Joseph Gomez

The game at the London Stadium ended 1-1, realistically ending Liverpool’s Premier League prospects in Klopp’s final season. 

Salah fanned the flames in the mixed zone post-match, stating that he could not speak about the incident to avoid further controversy

Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez ushered Mohamed Salah away from Jurgen Klopp
Darwin Nunez and Joe Gomez ushered Mohamed Salah away from Jurgen Klopp (Imago/Sportimage)

What Nicol said about Salah’s spat with Klopp

This has brought about criticism of Klopp from the retired Reds defender.

Liverpool legend Steve Nicol pictured in 2008 (Imago/Icon Sportswire)

“This little spat was started by Klopp,” Nicol said on ESPN. “Mo Salah was getting ready to get on the field thinking about what he had been told to do.

“Then Klopp goes over and has a little whisper in his ear that lights the firework. I don’t think you need to be a rocket scientist to figure out that it wasn’t something complimentary. 

“Why would you do that? Clearly, Klopp has a problem with Mo Salah.” 

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What comes next for Liverpool? 

Klopp’s men need Arsenal and Manchester City to collapse in the final weeks of the title run-in to have a shot at a second Premier League crown. 

The Reds face Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the German manager’s final three league fixtures before Arne Slot’s expected appointment