Frustration for Mohamed Salah as He’s Forced from the Field
Mohamed Salah did not try and hide his frustration when forced from the field in Liverpool’s opening day match against Chelsea. The Egyptian is accustomed to playing every minute of every game for Liverpool, but he managed 77 at Chelsea and he did not hide his disdain. He tore at the wrapping around his wrists, throwing the tape on the pitch and making it clear what he thought of Jurgen Klopp’s decision with the match delicately placed at 1-1. Seventeen-year-old Ben Doak took his place and Salah was subsequently denied the opportunity to score on the opening day for seven consecutive seasons.
Klopp Downplays Salah’s Reaction
With the reaction quick to be dissected across social media, the manager quickly downplayed the situation before it could get out of hand when talking post-match. “Mo if he scores could have been [a new record for opening day goals], so I understand it [the reaction], but in that moment, I didn’t think about that,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “We needed stability and again, fresh legs. It was super intense for everybody. That’s all I can say about it, but his reaction was absolutely okay.”
Klopp’s Decision Made with Best Intentions
There was no touchline hug between the pair at the time of the substitution, but Klopp’s decision was made with the best intentions at heart, in what was the first game of the campaign. Of the entire Liverpool squad, only Alisson completed 90 minutes in pre-season, and it was clear tired legs were coming into play late on. Salah’s reaction was viewed in two ways, as one of a fierce competitor or over the top dramatics, but Klopp has put a line through it all now.
Salah is Irreplaceable to Liverpool
The Egyptian knows he is irreplaceable to Liverpool but the season is a marathon, not a sprint. Bournemouth are waiting, take the frustration out on them. Klopp has downplayed Salah’s reaction as understandable and it is clear that his decision to substitute him was made with the best intentions at heart. Salah is an integral part of Liverpool’s squad and his reaction was simply that of a fierce competitor who wanted to stay on the pitch and make a difference.