KOP News # 995

 

 

From: Azharyap Abdullah [mailto:azharyap.abdullah@plexus.com]
Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2012 12:05 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: KOP News # 995

 

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez's could leave Merseyside club this summer, says Gus Poyet

Gus Poyet has raised further doubts about Luis Suárez's Liverpool future by admitting he fears his compatriot will quit English football this summer.

What did I do? Liverpool are unhappy at the persistent insinuations about Luis Suarex diving Photo: GETTY IMAGES

By Matt Scott

10:00PM GMT 12 Mar 2012

 

Poyet, the Brighton manager, rushed to his close friend's defence following the recent race row with Manchester United's Patrice Evra. Their families even spent time together after Poyet's side were beaten 6-1 in the FA Cup last month.

But when asked if there is a danger Uruguayan striker Suárez will leave English football in the aftermath of a series of controversies, Poyet said: "Yes. Yes. I am sorry for Liverpool."

The Liverpool player — who faces Everton in Tuesday night's Merseyside derby at Anfield – has become a target of terrace hatred since being found guilty of using "racially offensive" language towards Evra, giving rise to an eight-game ban and £40,000 fine.

"He was worried about everything that happened, it was a shock," said Poyet. "Oh, he was [suffering], it was a difficult time. No doubt there's a cultural difference. But he will adapt.

"I just hope that we can keep him in England. I would like him to stay in England for English football. Otherwise you lose so much.

 "When you're out — he wanted to play football, remember that. He wanted just to play on the pitch and he was out and it was difficult to understand because of the language, because of things. I am sure he will show his quality because everybody knows he is a very good player."

Poyet added that although the striker had said nothing explicitly to him about leaving Merseyside, he wonders whether the situation can be retrieved.

His comments follow suggestions that Paris St-Germain are preparing a summer bid and Suárez himself appeared on French television appearing to welcome such interest.

Liverpool were unconcerned by the Canal Plus interview and have rejected the idea it represented a hint to the Qatari-owned PSG.

Suárez was invited on air to talk about his international team-mate Diego Lugano. In the same interview, Suárez also expressed his contentment of life at Anfield and reiterated his commitment to his contract. It is understood he has made it clear leaving Liverpool for the French league would be a step down, despite the wealth on offer.

Only a massive bid from Real Madrid or Barcelona would seriously concern the Liverpool hierarchy that Suárez is already thinking of moving on, and there is no suggestion of that happening in the near future.

Poyet himself suggested as much, adding: "If you leave Liverpool you have to be leaving for something bigger. I don't think you leave Liverpool for anything smaller and Liverpool is a top, top club. So you're talking about the top few clubs. But I'm talking about my opinion here."

Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish, the Liverpool manager, believes the Football Association will be analysing Arsène Wenger's comments about Suárez's ability to win penalties.

Wenger, the Arsenal manager, suggested the striker went "overboard" in winning a spot kick in the Premier League fixture at Anfield a week ago.

Liverpool are unhappy at the persistent insinuations about the player's diving, which began with Sir Alex Ferguson in the now notorious league meeting earlier in the season.

"I'm sure the FA will look into it and take him to task," said Dalglish on Wenger's remarks. "If you can't comment on the England manager's position, then I'm sure he can't comment on another player. He never said that to me, he said it was a fantastic performance and they were very fortunate to win."