Brendan Rodgers says he has no fears about the level of effort and commitment from the returning Luis Suarez, but stopped short of saying that the volatile Uruguayan has learned his lesson.
Speaking ahead of the Reds' trip to Old Trafford tomorrow for the Capital One Cup tie against Manchester United, Rodgers said: “He’s received nothing but affection and love from the supporters. They deserve no less than 100% and knowing Luis that’s what he’ll give them. You’ll find out that once he gets that strip on he’ll work his socks off.”
When asked if Suarez had learnt his lesson from last season, however, Rodgers replied: “We will see. It’s been an interesting couple of years for him here. He’s a top player and he needs to be on the grass, playing football, showing all his qualities to the supporters here. And I am very hopeful he is now focused on delivering for them after the great support he’s had here.”
Rodgers insists that there will be no hangover from events of the summer when Suarez went public with his desire to leave only to be told in no uncertain terms by the club that he was staying put. “He knows what the club’s stance was and he stayed. We stayed strong in our belief that we wanted to hang on to him. The minute that passed he’s been working tirelessly.
“Knowing him, that’s the type of player he is. Of course it was difficult for everyone in the summer but that’s behind us now. I think that’s the one thing about Luis Suarez, because of the type of character he is, when he plays football he can’t play it any other way,” Rodgers added.
In an unfortunate choice of words, the Reds' boss continued; “He’s champing at the bit to try to get back. I think he just can’t wait to get playing again.
“There’s a real determination in him now and obviously there was a lot going on over the course of the summer but he’s trained really hard, really well, and his entrance to come back into the squad now is perfect timing really. We’ve got a few injuries and the big thing now is he’s now available. To have someone of that quality to come into the squad is good.”
The 30 goal striker only played sporadically in pre-season due to the Confederations Cup and then the uncertainty over his future, but he's kept his fitness up by playing for Uruguay and in specially arranged behind closed door friendlies at Melwood specifically organised by Rodgers.
“He played the game the other day with a group of youngsters against Burnley and maybe another player, or the majority of players, might not have wanted to play in that,” said Rodgers.
“But I know how much he loves the game and I see how passionate he is when we travel home and away and when we play in games. So I’ve got absolutely no question he has missed the game and that’s what he lives for.
“Him coming back in will be a great tonic for us.”
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