Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's star forward, has been lauded for an 'honest' and 'calculated' remark made immediately following a public argument with manager Jürgen Klopp. Former teammate Glen Johnson believes that by choosing to stay silent on the matter, Salah was endeavoring to maintain team morale.

The surprising high-profile spat occurred during Liverpool's 2-2 draw against West Ham at the London Stadium last weekend. Salah was seen having a heated exchange with Klopp on the touchline just before he was due to be subbed on. His teammate Darwin Núñez had to intervene and move Salah away from a visibly agitated Klopp.

With Salah being benched for the second time in a week amidst a perceived dip in form, his fiery behavior could have been a result of those frustrations. However, instead of explaining himself in post-match press conferences, he chose discretion. When reporters attempted to get him to comment, he simply stated: "If I speak, there will be fire."

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While some observers view Salah's statement as contentious and a sign of discord between Klopp and him, former Reds player Johnson interprets it differently. "I appreciate his honesty because, the thing is, the only person that loses is him," Johnson told Squawka. "If he speaks his mind and tells you what's really on his brain, then everyone's going to criticize him for it and he can't win.

"That's why players shouldn't do interviews when they're fiery, or angry, or have just come off the pitch, or were sent off, because they're going to speak from the heart. And some people aren't designed to take that. So I don't mind it. At least he's calculated and he knows that he's going to say some stuff that's going to upset people.

"I'm sure he's told the people that are upsetting him in person. I respect it. I'm sure he's let his steam off elsewhere. Obviously other fans and the press would love him to do it for them. But it isn't about them. I'm sure whatever he's got to say is for the benefit of the manager and the team."

Klopp himself played down the significance of the spat, telling TNT Sports post-match: "We spoke already in the dressing room, for me that's done." The duo will be forced to make up with Liverpool preparing to face Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds are third, four points behind defending champion Manchester City, who have a game in hand, and five adrift of current leaders Arsenal. But while they have almost no chance of winning the title, they should be motivated to end the season strongly, given that Klopp is stepping down this summer after over eight years in charge.

Despite the public falling out, Salah is expected to stay with Liverpool for the 2024/25 season under incoming boss Arne Slot. The winger has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, but the appeal of a move there has dwindled significantly since last summer.

Liverpool.com says: While Johnson has a point to an extent, Salah didn't need to say anything at all when he came through the mixed zone. What the Egyptian did say was always going to fan the flames even more. Klopp, no doubt, will be asked about the incident during his press conference early on Friday.