Liverpool fell even further out of contention for the English Premier League title on Saturday, but that is perhaps the least of Jurgen Klopp’s problems.
Equally disturbing for Liverpool’s outgoing manager in the 2-2 draw against West Ham could be a clash on the wing with his star striker, Mohamed Salah, which Klopp attempted to play down after the match.
Salah, not so much.
“Today there will be a fire if I speak,” the Egyptian winger was heard saying to journalists as he left the London stadium.
The incident occurred as Salah was preparing to come on as a substitute shortly after Michail Antonio’s equalizer in the 77th minute. It was the second time in Liverpool’s last three games that Salah was benched, an unusual position for one of Liverpool’s greatest goalscorers for the club who has rarely been left out during his time at Anfield.
It remains to be seen whether Salah will remain at Liverpool beyond this season (he was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last year), but Klopp is certain to leave.
With three league games remaining, his successful spell at Liverpool could end on a sour note.
This latest setback came after recent defeats to Crystal Palace and Everton, and left the team in third place, two points behind Arsenal and one behind Manchester City. Both have games pending against Liverpool.
“Does it look like they’re going to lose two or three games?” Klopp said about Arsenal and City.
“No, I don’t think so, but I’m honestly not angry or anything. I don’t think about it.”
While Liverpool’s title dreams seem remote, Sheffield United’s slim chances of staying standing are officially over.
A 5-1 defeat at Newcastle confirmed Sheffield United as the first team to be relegated from the top flight this season. The Blades are 10 points from safety with three games remaining, ensuring they will go straight back into the Championship.
“We haven’t been good enough,” said coach Chris Wilder, who took over in December for a second spell following the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom.
“The league has been too powerful for us all season.
“It’s an incredibly young team and there is a complete lack of leadership.”
There were more boos for Manchester United and hard-pressed manager Erik ten Hag in their 1-1 draw at home to relegation-threatened Burnley.
Substitute Zeki Amdouni’s 87th-minute penalty, won after he was brought down by United goalkeeper Andre Onana, canceled out Antony’s 79th-minute goal and secured a point for second-bottom Burnley, who are two points from safety.
Boos greeted the final whistle at Old Trafford, having echoed even louder throughout the stadium when youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund were substituted midway through the second half.
“Those players have to adapt and that takes time,” Ten Hag said.
“I’m sorry for everyone. I’m very impatient, but we need patience. And the fans need patience.”
Aston Villa’s effort to qualify for the Champions League suffered as they blew a two-goal lead over Chelsea and drew 2-2 at home.
Villa, which is fourth, moved seven points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham and has three games remaining.
Spurs have three games in hand, starting with Arsenal in the north London derby on Sunday. They also have to play City and Liverpool in a tough showdown, so Villa remain favorites to claim the fourth and final Champions League spot.
Everton secured their 71st consecutive year in England’s top division by beating Brentford 1-0.
That put Everton 11 points clear of second-bottom Luton with three games remaining each.
Everton have survived despite being docked a total of eight points for two breaches of Premier League financial rules.
AP