Richard Keys and Andy Gray suggested that Jurgen Klopp ignored and allowed Mo Salah to ‘get away with this tantrum’ during Liverpool’s 1-1 draw at Brighton on Saturday, as they told beIN SPORTS.
After the hour mark, Klopp opted to substitute his left-footed speedster for his partner in crime, Sadio Mane, and the Egyptian didn’t seem happy about the decision.
In truth, Liverpool fans, or any fan across the world, would prefer to see their player annoyed at being taken off rather than being pleased because at least it shows they care.
But Keys and Gray shared their thoughts on Salah’s reaction and how Klopp treated his forward differently to how he reacted when Jordan Henderson was in the same situation at Old Trafford in 2019.
“Remember when Jordan Henderson was replaced [at Manchester United],” said Keys. “And as he walked past, the manager made a point publicly, very publicly by stopping him and admonishing him. This time he’s allowed Salah to get away with this tantrum.”
Gray respond: “Well, Salah comes off and normally the Liverpool manager shakes his hand or gives him a hug. But he just walked straight past him. Nothing.
“But then, one is Jordan Henderson and one is Mo Salah.”
Gray is then told by his co-presenter that one [Henderson] is ‘his captain’ to which the Scotsman responded and laughed ‘and one is Mo Salah’.
The big reason behind Klopp substituting Salah was the quick turnaround Liverpool have had since their Wednesday night Champions League encounter against Atalanta.
With the injuries mounting up on Merseyside, the fixture list looking even heavier, the likes of Salah, Roberto Firmino, Mane and Diogo Jota will find themselves getting hooked off early a lot more often to prevent them from suffering an injury.
Klopp, alongside the likes of Pep Guardiola, have cried out for the five-sub rule to be brought back, but it seems as though those cries aren’t being heard.
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