Liverpool’s Brendan Rodgers backs Luis Suarez ahead of game against Man United
By Mike Dyce
Aug 4, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; A ball lies on the field before the first half of the Internazionale and Valencia match at Metlife Stadium. Valencia won the match 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
On Wednesday bitter English rivals Liverpool and Manchester United square off at Old Trafford in a Capital One Cup match. The last time these two met was at Anfield just weeks ago when Liverpool beat Manchester United 1-0 on an early goal from Daniel Sturridge.
This game could be interesting for the Liverpool side. On one hand they don’t want to mess with the chemistry they’ve had with a Sturridge at front, on the other hand adding a goal scoring threat like Luis Suarez along side Sturridge could be an intriguing pairing. Of course coming off a draw and a loss is there really a ‘chemistry’ to hold on to?
Suarez has been out serving a suspension from biting an opponent last season. There were also stories this summer about Suarez trying to force his way out of Liverpool this summer to go to a Champions League team and that manager Brendan Rodgers was blocking a move.
Rodgers is standing by Suarez and has praised his work ethic leading up to the game. There is a chance he could play against United in this game.
"Rodgers, though, is confident Suarez will be able to handle the intensity. He said: “I have got no hesitation about playing Luis. Since I have been here there has never been an issue with anything like that. There is the history of the clash but it won’t enter my mind.“Luis is a tough character. He is resilient and one of the strongest-willed characters I have met in my life. I don’t think he will bat an eyelid at that.“He is a fighter and his will and desire to succeed is there for everyone to see. We are just delighted to have him back. I know the players are happy we are bringing someone back like that of that quality.”Rodgers continued: “I don’t think he will be targeted any more than he has been before. Luis is that type of player. He will always provoke the tackle. The work that he does in and around the box will always make defenders be on the back foot.“It is part of the game and you have to put up with that. I think this is a good game for us after the disappointment of the weekend [Saturday’s defeat by Southampton]. Luis will be a part of it.“I’m sure that when Luis knew he would be available for this fixture it would have really stoked him up to make sure he was ready. You could argue that this is a really good game for him to come back into.”"
This story has many intriguing story lines so far, the Steven Gerrard vs Robin van Persie story, the Liverpool vs United story line, Suarez’s role in the game is just another interesting reason to watch this game.