What is behind the shocking Salah-Klopp touchline clash?

The Liverpool side, their emotional reserves depleted from the relentless battle to stay in the three-way title race, now find their hopes of catching league leaders Arsenal and Manchester City utterly dashed after a damaging 2-2 draw against West Ham. The demeanor of their manager, Jurgen Klopp, who is set to be replaced by Feyenoord's Arne Slot at the end of the season, reflects the toll it has taken. With only three games remaining in his tenure, the last thing Klopp desired was a public breakdown in his relationship with top scorer Mohammed Salah. However, that is precisely what unraveled.

Salah, who had been relegated to the bench following Liverpool's embarrassing defeat to Everton earlier in the week, displayed clear dissatisfaction as he awaited his turn to enter the field at the London Stadium on Saturday. The Egyptian talisman reacted poorly to Klopp's attempt to communicate with him as Liverpool desperately sought a late winning goal after squandering their 2-1 lead. The heated exchange between the two pivotal figures, who were instrumental in Liverpool's recent era of success, took place on the touchline. 

Darwin Nunez, who was also preparing to go on as part of a triple substitution, intervened by reaching out his arm in an effort to defuse the evident tension between Salah and Klopp. Salah was eventually allowed onto the field. But with just 11 minutes remaining, his presence couldn't prevent Liverpool's collapse. 

 At the final whistle, Salah made a beeline for the tunnel bypassing any interaction with the supporters.

Preferring not to linger on the incident, Klopp said afterward, "We spoke about it in the dressing room, and that is done for me." 

When asked if Salah was also prepared to put it behind him, Klopp responded, "That was my impression." 

However, as Salah walked past reporters on his way out of the stadium, he did not appear content. He declined interview requests, saying, "There's gonna be a fire today if I speak."

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time now. Salah's disinterest was evident as he nonchalantly flicked the ball with his toe during Liverpool's pre-match warm-up. His sullen body language and intense expression spoke volumes. There is certainly an underlying issue between Salah and Klopp that Liverpool may not easily brush aside.

Looking at the bigger picture, Salah's contract is set to expire in a year's time, and the tempting offer from Saudi Arabia may still be on the table for the 31-year-old. It would come as no surprise if he were to make his departure this summer. 

When Klopp made his announcement in January about his exit from the club at the end of the season, there was hope for a triumphant send-off with a title win. However, the current situation has shifted from aspirations for silverware to a sense of decline. The weight on the manager's shoulders is palpable.  

In a brief post-match press conference, Klopp spoke sparingly, but his choice of words revealed a somber mood. Phrases like "I tried to do the right thing," "It will be the next generation, not me anymore," and "I'm sorry I don't have better news for you or anybody else" hinted at a sense of huge disappointment and frustration. The most unfortunate aspect for both Klopp and Liverpool is that the farewell is increasingly losing its luster and turning sour.