The Liverpool dressing room has been rocked by an extraordinary touchline confrontation between Mohamed Salah and outgoing manager Jurgen Klopp, sparking fierce debate about the Egyptian superstar's future at Anfield.
The Touchline Spat That Shook Anfield
During Saturday's tense 2-2 draw with West Ham, cameras captured a heated exchange between Salah and Klopp as the forward prepared to enter the pitch. The visible friction between player and manager immediately went viral, raising questions about dressing room harmony during Klopp's final weeks at the club.
Salah's terse response to waiting journalists - "There's going to be fire today if I speak" - only added fuel to the growing controversy surrounding the incident.
Carragher's Passionate Defence
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher didn't hold back in his analysis, taking to social media to defend the Egyptian king. "Mo Salah is the greatest scorer in the club's Premier League history and deserves more respect than being involved in a public spat moments before coming on," Carragher declared.
The Sky Sports pundit emphasised that Salah's frustration was understandable given his recent bench role, stating: "He should have been on that pitch from the start, and his reaction, while not ideal, comes from a place of pure competitive spirit."
Lescott's Sobering Assessment
Former England defender Joleon Lescott offered a different perspective, suggesting the incident reveals deeper issues within the Liverpool camp. "When relationships reach this point, it's often better for all parties to move on," Lescott commented during the post-match analysis.
Lescott's analysis pointed to Salah's dramatic dip in form since returning from injury, with the former Manchester City man noting: "The connection we're used to seeing between Salah and his teammates has disappeared. That chemistry just isn't there right now."
What Next for Liverpool's Iconic Number 11?
With incoming manager Arne Slot watching closely from the Netherlands, the big question remains: has Salah played his final game for Liverpool?
The Egyptian's contract situation adds another layer of intrigue, with his current deal set to expire in 2025. Saudi Arabian clubs remain keenly interested, and this public fallout could accelerate departure talks.
As Liverpool prepare for their post-Klopp era, resolving the Salah situation will be among the most pressing challenges facing the new coaching staff and the Anfield hierarchy.