Paul Merson has questioned Jurgen Klopp’s decision to take off Mohamed Salah against Chelsea in Liverpool’s Premier League opener.
Speaking to Sports Keeda, the pundit was confused by the choice to hook the winger off with the score still at 1-1, with Salah scoring an offside goal beforehand as well as assisting the opener.
The moment has since become a major talking point amongst fans and pundits, with many suggesting that there is some deeper meaning behind Klopp’s move on Salah.
Whilst there was likely nothing behind the decision, Merson himself has questioned the move, with Salah potentially having the chance to score the winner against Chelsea.
Merson said on Klopp’s decision to substitute Salah: “Mohamed Salah getting hooked in the 77th minute was a decision that puzzled me.
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“He does go missing in games every once in a while but he is their main goalscorer. So taking him off rather early was a bit of a surprising decision.”
Klopp and Salah should not make this matter a big deal
Pundits and reporters have become experts in recent years in turning micro events into something bigger than they actually are, and that’s what has happened with Klopp and Salah this week.
Disagreements are a part of football and happen every day whether it be on the pitch or on the training ground, yet malice is hardly involved.
And that’s likely what’s happened here, with everyone just ready to move on from what occurred with Liverpool focused on getting their first win of the season this weekend against AFC Bournemouth.