With Liverpool reportedly set to announce the signing of Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno this week, Jack Lusby asks whether this spells the end for Jose Enrique.
If reports—such as this, via the Daily Mail —are to be believed, Liverpool will sign Sevilla’s Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno this week.
A fee of around £16 million has been touted for the 21-year-old, and any signing would involve a contract tying the World Cup absentee to the Reds long into the future.
After the miserable loan signing of Aly Cissokho last season, and the vapid contributions of Paul Konchesky et al in previous years, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that this signing will be the end of a torturous search for a long-term left-back at the club.
It could be argued that the Reds found their man three years ago, with the signing of Jose Enrique from Newcastle United, but long-standing injury problems and considerable lapses in concentration on the left side of defence seem to have led the Spaniard to fall out of Rodgers’ favour.
Moreno would be the next significant signing of Liverpool’s summer, following that of Rickie Lambert from Southampton, and it could well spell the end for Jose Enrique at the club.
Moreno Deal
With such a high transfer fee, and a prospective, long-term contract, it is safe to assume that Moreno would be first-choice at Liverpool from next season.
Furthermore, at just 21 years old, the Spaniard can hope to hold on to this position for many years ahead.
This deal represents very much FSG-era Rodgers signing, with an eye on both the present—with Alberto expected to contribute from the off—and the future.
What’s more, the Sevilla man would expect no less, surely, after becoming a regular fixture at the La Liga side in a season crowned by Europa League glory; at a Champions League-challenging Liverpool, Moreno would look to play as much as possible.
Enrique & Rodgers
In comparison, Enrique has never seemed fully settled under Rodgers at Liverpool.
At the beginning of the Northern Irishman’s tenure at Anfield, Enrique’s commitment to the club was put under question, particularly following a disastrous performance against Young Boys in the Europe League.
The Daily Mail quoted the Liverpool manager in regards to the desire of the Spaniard to succeed at the club: “if you are not quite right in your preparation and you come in looking in for an easy life, to pick up your money, it won’t be here. We are a club that has to be fighting going forward.”
This is the belief that the former Swansea manager has looked to instil since his arrival in charge of the Reds, and the 41-year-old continued “I will play a 17-year-old if he fights and he has quality. It is quite easy.”
This is a sentiment that rings true following the rise of Jon Flanagan at the club, with the 21-year-old exceling in Enrique’s stead in 2013/14, and determination and fight proved hallmarks of the England international’s game.
Flanagan has deputised for the Spaniard throughout a long-standing knee injury, which limited Enrique to only eight Premier League appearances last season, a situation which seemed to frustrate Rodgers.
The way in which he told LiverpoolFC.com “we’d hoped he’d be a little bit further on in his recovery,” back in January, may suggest a lack of commitment to recovery.
Enrique & Moreno
This is an unfortunate situation, as on his day Enrique is a left-back of phenomenal strength and occasional attacking ingenuity; as per Squawka, the Spaniard made two assists in his short eight appearances in 2013/14.
However, lapses in concentration add to the feeling of an unsettled defence for the Reds, and this is surely something that Rodgers is looking to counter this summer.
Transfermarkt.co.uk value the player at just over £10 million, and the Spaniard still as two years left on his contract, suggesting that a move away from Anfield could be profitable for the Reds, particularly given that Enrique is now 28 years old.
Moreno, comparatively, should give Rodgers an established left-back, potentially, for a decade.
The 21-year-old’s intelligent, perceptive style of play—as evidenced by an average interceptions per game rate of 2.5 (WhoScored) compared to Enrique’s 1.1—will suit the Northern Irishman’s system adeptly.
Where next for Enrique?
It is clear that Enrique is far from a poor player, and the Spaniard has contributed impressively at times in a Liverpool shirt; a move away from Anfield could benefit many a club.
For example, whilst current managerial unrest seems to be holding back any potential incomings and outgoings at Southampton, the news of Luke Shaw’s interest in a move to Manchester United will likely see the Saints on the lookout for a new left-sided defender.
Elsewhere, following the unsuccessful signings of Pablo Armero and Razvan Rat at the Boleyn Ground last season, and the release of George McCartney, Enrique may pique the interest of West Ham United.
The Spaniard’s attacking prowess would add some much needed verve to Sam Allardyce’s squad.
Furthermore, with the Daily Express today linking current first-choice left-back Davide Santon with a move back to his Italian homeland, perhaps Newcastle United could be tempted by a return for their former charge.
The Future
Whilst it seems to have not quite worked out under Rodgers, Jose Enrique will likely be dissatisfied with the likely petering out of his Liverpool career.
The Spaniard does offer the Reds a solid option on the left side of defence, but the potential signing of Alberto Moreno seems to have put paid to any future for the Sevilla man’s older compatriot.
Furthermore, the form of Jon Flanagan, the return of Andre Wisdom, and the bemusing vitality of Glen Johnson at the club seemingly leave Enrique the most likely option for the chop this summer.
A loyal servant of the club, Enrique could be labelled the victim of a sensational, and hugely enjoyable, transition under Rodgers; perhaps it is time to move on, for the best.
Do you think the signing of Alberto Moreno is the end of Jose Enrique at Liverpool? And is it for the best? Let us know in the comments below.
With Liverpool reportedly set to announce the signing of Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno this week, Jack Lusby asks whether this spells the end for Jose Enrique.
If reports—such as this, via the Daily Mail —are to be believed, Liverpool will sign Sevilla’s Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno this week.
A fee of around £16 million has been touted for the 21-year-old, and any signing would involve a contract tying the World Cup absentee to the Reds long into the future.
After the miserable loan signing of Aly Cissokho last season, and the vapid contributions of Paul Konchesky et al in previous years, Brendan Rodgers will be hoping that this signing will be the end of a torturous search for a long-term left-back at the club.
It could be argued that the Reds found their man three years ago, with the signing of Jose Enrique from Newcastle United, but long-standing injury problems and considerable lapses in concentration on the left side of defence seem to have led the Spaniard to fall out of Rodgers’ favour.
Moreno would be the next significant signing of Liverpool’s summer, following that of Rickie Lambert from Southampton, and it could well spell the end for Jose Enrique at the club.
Moreno Deal
With such a high transfer fee, and a prospective, long-term contract, it is safe to assume that Moreno would be first-choice at Liverpool from next season.
Furthermore, at just 21 years old, the Spaniard can hope to hold on to this position for many years ahead.
This deal represents very much FSG-era Rodgers signing, with an eye on both the present—with Alberto expected to contribute from the off—and the future.
What’s more, the Sevilla man would expect no less, surely, after becoming a regular fixture at the La Liga side in a season crowned by Europa League glory; at a Champions League-challenging Liverpool, Moreno would look to play as much as possible.
Enrique & Rodgers
In comparison, Enrique has never seemed fully settled under Rodgers at Liverpool.
At the beginning of the Northern Irishman’s tenure at Anfield, Enrique’s commitment to the club was put under question, particularly following a disastrous performance against Young Boys in the Europe League.
The Daily Mail quoted the Liverpool manager in regards to the desire of the Spaniard to succeed at the club: “if you are not quite right in your preparation and you come in looking in for an easy life, to pick up your money, it won’t be here. We are a club that has to be fighting going forward.”
This is the belief that the former Swansea manager has looked to instil since his arrival in charge of the Reds, and the 41-year-old continued “I will play a 17-year-old if he fights and he has quality. It is quite easy.”
This is a sentiment that rings true following the rise of Jon Flanagan at the club, with the 21-year-old exceling in Enrique’s stead in 2013/14, and determination and fight proved hallmarks of the England international’s game.
Flanagan has deputised for the Spaniard throughout a long-standing knee injury, which limited Enrique to only eight Premier League appearances last season, a situation which seemed to frustrate Rodgers.
The way in which he told LiverpoolFC.com “we’d hoped he’d be a little bit further on in his recovery,” back in January, may suggest a lack of commitment to recovery.
Enrique & Moreno
This is an unfortunate situation, as on his day Enrique is a left-back of phenomenal strength and occasional attacking ingenuity; as per Squawka, the Spaniard made two assists in his short eight appearances in 2013/14.
However, lapses in concentration add to the feeling of an unsettled defence for the Reds, and this is surely something that Rodgers is looking to counter this summer.
Transfermarkt.co.uk value the player at just over £10 million, and the Spaniard still as two years left on his contract, suggesting that a move away from Anfield could be profitable for the Reds, particularly given that Enrique is now 28 years old.
Moreno, comparatively, should give Rodgers an established left-back, potentially, for a decade.
The 21-year-old’s intelligent, perceptive style of play—as evidenced by an average interceptions per game rate of 2.5 (WhoScored) compared to Enrique’s 1.1—will suit the Northern Irishman’s system adeptly.
Where next for Enrique?
It is clear that Enrique is far from a poor player, and the Spaniard has contributed impressively at times in a Liverpool shirt; a move away from Anfield could benefit many a club.
For example, whilst current managerial unrest seems to be holding back any potential incomings and outgoings at Southampton, the news of Luke Shaw’s interest in a move to Manchester United will likely see the Saints on the lookout for a new left-sided defender.
Elsewhere, following the unsuccessful signings of Pablo Armero and Razvan Rat at the Boleyn Ground last season, and the release of George McCartney, Enrique may pique the interest of West Ham United.
The Spaniard’s attacking prowess would add some much needed verve to Sam Allardyce’s squad.
Furthermore, with the Daily Express today linking current first-choice left-back Davide Santon with a move back to his Italian homeland, perhaps Newcastle United could be tempted by a return for their former charge.
The Future
Whilst it seems to have not quite worked out under Rodgers, Jose Enrique will likely be dissatisfied with the likely petering out of his Liverpool career.
The Spaniard does offer the Reds a solid option on the left side of defence, but the potential signing of Alberto Moreno seems to have put paid to any future for the Sevilla man’s older compatriot.
Furthermore, the form of Jon Flanagan, the return of Andre Wisdom, and the bemusing vitality of Glen Johnson at the club seemingly leave Enrique the most likely option for the chop this summer.
A loyal servant of the club, Enrique could be labelled the victim of a sensational, and hugely enjoyable, transition under Rodgers; perhaps it is time to move on, for the best.
Do you think the signing of Alberto Moreno is the end of Jose Enrique at Liverpool? And is it for the best? Let us know in the comments below.
Reports on Monday are linking young Liverpool players Suso and Samed Yesil with moves away from the club this summer, to Portugal and Turkey respectively.
Suso is, according to Portuguese press, attracting interest from FC Porto, while Yesil is said to have arrived in Turkey for talks with Trabzonspor.
O Jogo lead with Porto’s interest in Spanish attacker Suso, who has impressed on a season loan to La Liga side Almeria, claiming that they are in advanced talks regarding a deal.
There has been some confusion over how long Suso has left on his contract at Liverpool, with the report claiming he only has a year remaining. He signed what the club deemed a new “long-term” contract in 2012, but has explained his desire to sign a new contract this summer.
Meanwhile, German forward Yesil – who suffered an ACL injury for the second time earlier this year – is quoted as saying “If I was to play in Turkey it would be for Trabzonspor.”
The Turkish-Football website claim he is in Turkey for talks regarding a loan deal.
Reports on Monday are linking young Liverpool players Suso and Samed Yesil with moves away from the club this summer, to Portugal and Turkey respectively.
Suso is, according to Portuguese press, attracting interest from FC Porto, while Yesil is said to have arrived in Turkey for talks with Trabzonspor.
O Jogo lead with Porto’s interest in Spanish attacker Suso, who has impressed on a season loan to La Liga side Almeria, claiming that they are in advanced talks regarding a deal.
There has been some confusion over how long Suso has left on his contract at Liverpool, with the report claiming he only has a year remaining. He signed what the club deemed a new “long-term” contract in 2012, but has explained his desire to sign a new contract this summer.
Meanwhile, German forward Yesil – who suffered an ACL injury for the second time earlier this year – is quoted as saying “If I was to play in Turkey it would be for Trabzonspor.”
The Turkish-Football website claim he is in Turkey for talks regarding a loan deal.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Jack Lusby looks at which Liverpool players should be in your Fantasy Fanager World Cup fantasy team.
Football Fanager is the best fantasy football system operating for the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Given £200 million to select the finest World Cup squad from the tournament’s stars, Football Fanager allows you to compete with friends and other managers around the world.
With Liverpool’s players fresh off the back of a hugely impressive 2013/14 Premier League season, Brendan Rodgers’ charges represent great, in-form selections for your World Cup fantasy team.
So, which Liverpool players should be in your World Cup fantasy team?
Steven Gerrard (England)
As a guaranteed starter (+2 points a start in Football Fanager ) under Roy Hodgson for England, Steven Gerrard is a prime choice for any World Cup fantasy team.
With 13 goals (+5 points) and 13 assists (+2 points) in the Premier League last season, and as one of the main contenders when it comes to the Three Lions’ set pieces, Gerrard will likely contribute hugely to your points tally on both counts.
Roy Hodgson’s men will hope to get through to at least the last 16, suggesting that Gerrard’s points will continue to mount up for a long spell.
The England captain is a snip at just £6.6 million, and would provide great value in your fantasy midfield.
Raheem Sterling (England)
England forward Raheem Sterling would represent somewhat of a wild-card choice for any fantasy manager, having not started any of the Three Lions’ warm-up friendlies prior to the tournament.
However, at £11.4 million, Sterling may end up a bargain signing for your fantasy team, as he became a key player for Liverpool towards the end of 2013/14.
Able to spearhead an attacking midfield for Hodgson, Sterling can provide goals and assists, whilst his underrated defensive work would help in terms of clean sheets (+2 points for a midfielder) for your fantasy team.
Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Not a starting choice under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, but Ivorian centre-back Kolo Toure will be a key man for Sabri Lamouchi’s Ivory Coast side at the World Cup, providing he recovers from his current bout of malaria.
With a relatively easy group including Japan, Colombia and Greece, the Ivory Coast will be confident of coming out on top to compete in the knockout stages.
Greece, an incredibly weak attacking side, will surely represent an easy clean sheet (+5 points for a defender) for the Elephants, and Toure’s defensive work—at a bargain £3.52 million—will be key.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
A hefty fee of £52 million adds great weight of expectation on the shoulders of Uruguayan maverick Luis Suarez, but as he has shown in the Premier League in 2013/14 for Liverpool, he is every bit worth the money.
Scoring almost a goal a game—31 in 33—for the Reds last season, and also representing their most creative outlet—making 87 chances for his teammates—Suarez should be your main man this fantasy World Cup.
Daniel Sturridge (England)
Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the second goal against Sunderland during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A mighty 21 goals in 29 games for Liverpool last season proved Daniel Sturridge’s top-class credentials, and the 24-year-old is now established as England’s main striker coming into the World Cup.
The ex-Manchester City man will undoubtedly start every game for the Three Lions, barring injury, and his goals will be vital if England have any hope of progressing through the tournament.
Elsewhere, seven assists as a No. 9 in 2013/14 is no mean feat, either.
For the striker, £17.6 million is a meagre fee; Sturridge will start and score with aplomb.
Mamadou Sakho (France)
Established, alongside Laurent Koscielny, as Didier Deschamps starting centre-back for France, Mamadou Sakho finds himself in a hugely attractive position for any fantasy World Cup manager.
The 24-year-old was blighted with injury problems throughout 2013/14, but impressed whenever he appeared in a Liverpool shirt.
Gifted the easiest group by far, on paper, this World Cup, France will surely progress through to the knockout stages—keeping clean sheets on the way—and £16.72 million man Sakho will be at the heart of every performance for Les Bleus.
We’ve selected our World Cup fantasy team, now come join us by selecting yours at FootballFanager.com.
With the World Cup fast approaching, Jack Lusby looks at which Liverpool players should be in your Fantasy Fanager World Cup fantasy team.
Football Fanager is the best fantasy football system operating for the 2014 Brazil World Cup.
Given £200 million to select the finest World Cup squad from the tournament’s stars, Football Fanager allows you to compete with friends and other managers around the world.
With Liverpool’s players fresh off the back of a hugely impressive 2013/14 Premier League season, Brendan Rodgers’ charges represent great, in-form selections for your World Cup fantasy team.
So, which Liverpool players should be in your World Cup fantasy team?
Steven Gerrard (England)
As a guaranteed starter (+2 points a start in Football Fanager ) under Roy Hodgson for England, Steven Gerrard is a prime choice for any World Cup fantasy team.
With 13 goals (+5 points) and 13 assists (+2 points) in the Premier League last season, and as one of the main contenders when it comes to the Three Lions’ set pieces, Gerrard will likely contribute hugely to your points tally on both counts.
Roy Hodgson’s men will hope to get through to at least the last 16, suggesting that Gerrard’s points will continue to mount up for a long spell.
The England captain is a snip at just £6.6 million, and would provide great value in your fantasy midfield.
Raheem Sterling (England)
England forward Raheem Sterling would represent somewhat of a wild-card choice for any fantasy manager, having not started any of the Three Lions’ warm-up friendlies prior to the tournament.
However, at £11.4 million, Sterling may end up a bargain signing for your fantasy team, as he became a key player for Liverpool towards the end of 2013/14.
Able to spearhead an attacking midfield for Hodgson, Sterling can provide goals and assists, whilst his underrated defensive work would help in terms of clean sheets (+2 points for a midfielder) for your fantasy team.
Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast)
Not a starting choice under Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, but Ivorian centre-back Kolo Toure will be a key man for Sabri Lamouchi’s Ivory Coast side at the World Cup, providing he recovers from his current bout of malaria.
With a relatively easy group including Japan, Colombia and Greece, the Ivory Coast will be confident of coming out on top to compete in the knockout stages.
Greece, an incredibly weak attacking side, will surely represent an easy clean sheet (+5 points for a defender) for the Elephants, and Toure’s defensive work—at a bargain £3.52 million—will be key.
Luis Suarez (Uruguay)
A hefty fee of £52 million adds great weight of expectation on the shoulders of Uruguayan maverick Luis Suarez, but as he has shown in the Premier League in 2013/14 for Liverpool, he is every bit worth the money.
Scoring almost a goal a game—31 in 33—for the Reds last season, and also representing their most creative outlet—making 87 chances for his teammates—Suarez should be your main man this fantasy World Cup.
Daniel Sturridge (England)
Daniel Sturridge celebrates scoring the second goal against Sunderland during the Premier League match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A mighty 21 goals in 29 games for Liverpool last season proved Daniel Sturridge’s top-class credentials, and the 24-year-old is now established as England’s main striker coming into the World Cup.
The ex-Manchester City man will undoubtedly start every game for the Three Lions, barring injury, and his goals will be vital if England have any hope of progressing through the tournament.
Elsewhere, seven assists as a No. 9 in 2013/14 is no mean feat, either.
For the striker, £17.6 million is a meagre fee; Sturridge will start and score with aplomb.
Mamadou Sakho (France)
Established, alongside Laurent Koscielny, as Didier Deschamps starting centre-back for France, Mamadou Sakho finds himself in a hugely attractive position for any fantasy World Cup manager.
The 24-year-old was blighted with injury problems throughout 2013/14, but impressed whenever he appeared in a Liverpool shirt.
Gifted the easiest group by far, on paper, this World Cup, France will surely progress through to the knockout stages—keeping clean sheets on the way—and £16.72 million man Sakho will be at the heart of every performance for Les Bleus.
We’ve selected our World Cup fantasy team, now come join us by selecting yours at FootballFanager.com.
Mammadou Sakho and his France team look in fine form going into the World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil this week.
Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho in action against Southampton during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpool centre-back played the full 90 minutes of France’s 8-0 thrashing of Jamaica on Sunday night.
It was their final warm-up game before the tournament gets underway with Les Bleus beginning their campaign against Honduras at the Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on Sunday, 15th June.
Whilst Sakho kept a clean sheet at the back, goals from Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (2), Karim Benzema (2), Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann (2) sunk the Reggae Boyz in Lille.
Meanwhile, following their goalless draw against Honduras in Miami, USA on Saturday night, England’s players have arrived in Brazil.
A large Liverpool contingent is amongst Roy Hodgson’s squad, with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson and Rickie Lambert all vying for starting places.
Jon Flanagan remains in Hodgson’s back-up squad, which can be called upon any time up to 24 hours before England’s first World Cup game against Italy at Arena Amazônia in Manaus on Saturday, 14th June.
On their arrival at the training camp in Rio de Janeiro, Gerrard posted this photo on Instagram:
And Daniel Sturridge posted this video from his balcony:
The World Cup gets underway with Brazil v Croatia at 9pm (UK) on Thursday, 12th June.
Mammadou Sakho and his France team look in fine form going into the World Cup, which kicks off in Brazil this week.
Liverpool’s Mamadou Sakho in action against Southampton during the Premiership match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The Liverpool centre-back played the full 90 minutes of France’s 8-0 thrashing of Jamaica on Sunday night.
It was their final warm-up game before the tournament gets underway with Les Bleus beginning their campaign against Honduras at the Estádio Beira-Rio in Porto Alegre on Sunday, 15th June.
Whilst Sakho kept a clean sheet at the back, goals from Yohan Cabaye, Blaise Matuidi (2), Karim Benzema (2), Olivier Giroud and Antoine Griezmann (2) sunk the Reggae Boyz in Lille.
Meanwhile, following their goalless draw against Honduras in Miami, USA on Saturday night, England’s players have arrived in Brazil.
A large Liverpool contingent is amongst Roy Hodgson’s squad, with Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson and Rickie Lambert all vying for starting places.
Jon Flanagan remains in Hodgson’s back-up squad, which can be called upon any time up to 24 hours before England’s first World Cup game against Italy at Arena Amazônia in Manaus on Saturday, 14th June.
On their arrival at the training camp in Rio de Janeiro, Gerrard posted this photo on Instagram:
And Daniel Sturridge posted this video from his balcony:
The World Cup gets underway with Brazil v Croatia at 9pm (UK) on Thursday, 12th June.
Luis Suarez says he fully expects to be fit for the World Cup with Uruguay, which gets underway in Brazil this week.
02.07.2010, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, RSA, FIFA WM 2010, Viertelfinale, Uruguay (URU) vs Ghana (GHA) im Bild Kwadwo Asamoah of Ghana vs Luis Suarez of Uruguay, EXPA Pictures (C) 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Sportida/ Vid Ponikvar, ATTENTION! Slovenia OUT
The Liverpool forward’s participation was plunged into doubt when he was forced to undergo a knee operation in May.
But the 27-year-old is recovering well and with his country kicking off their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Saturday at the Estádio Castelão in Fortaleza, says he never had any doubts of his availability.
“Emotionally, I’ve felt fine; psychologically, I’ve been spectacular,” Suarez is quoted by the The Guardian as saying. “At no time did I feel pressured. At no time have I felt sad because at no point did I think there was a chance of me missing the World Cup. The thought never went through my mind.
“I could have really cried [in pain] because of this injury but I didn’t, because I knew. I knew. When the doctor first spoke to me three little tears fell, but no more. My wife said, ‘I can’t believe how strong you’re being’ but I knew I’d make it.
“Injuries are not only a physical question, which is the most important thing of course, but also a question of your mind. If you’re thinking, ‘I’m not going to make it’, ‘I can’t cope’, ‘It hurts’, ‘It’s never going to get better’, then it won’t.
“My objective was clear: Be strong emotionally and physically. I wanted my children to be able to see me play at the World Cup.
“If they had said to me that the extent of the injury was greater, I’d have been worried. But knowing the grade of the injury, I was confident. I knew that there was time to make it.”
Whether Suarez is risked in the Uruguayans’ first game against the Central Americans remains to be seen, but he will be itching to get one over England at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Thursday, 19th June.
He will come face to face with Liverpool teammates such as Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson and new signing Rickie Lambert.
“This is the game everyone is looking forward to most here,” he added. “It’s incredible to see how Uruguayans have followed Liverpool; they’ve become fans and that makes me feel very proud.
“To see an entire country waiting on the Liverpool games is incredible, or to see people angry because they can’t watch it because it’s only on satellite TV. People get up early in the morning to watch us play.
“I’ve already told Gerrard that we’ll swap shirts. And Glen will ask for my shirt, I’m sure. Maybe Daniel [Sturridge] and Raheem [Sterling] will as well – I’ll take a few with me.
“Yes, I’ll swap shirts. I’m not sure I’ll actually put it [an England shirt] on, though!”
The World Cup gets underway on Thursday, 12th June with Brazil v Crotia at 9pm UK time.
Luis Suarez says he fully expects to be fit for the World Cup with Uruguay, which gets underway in Brazil this week.
02.07.2010, Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg, RSA, FIFA WM 2010, Viertelfinale, Uruguay (URU) vs Ghana (GHA) im Bild Kwadwo Asamoah of Ghana vs Luis Suarez of Uruguay, EXPA Pictures (C) 2010, PhotoCredit: EXPA/ Sportida/ Vid Ponikvar, ATTENTION! Slovenia OUT
The Liverpool forward’s participation was plunged into doubt when he was forced to undergo a knee operation in May.
But the 27-year-old is recovering well and with his country kicking off their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Saturday at the Estádio Castelão in Fortaleza, says he never had any doubts of his availability.
“Emotionally, I’ve felt fine; psychologically, I’ve been spectacular,” Suarez is quoted by the The Guardian as saying. “At no time did I feel pressured. At no time have I felt sad because at no point did I think there was a chance of me missing the World Cup. The thought never went through my mind.
“I could have really cried [in pain] because of this injury but I didn’t, because I knew. I knew. When the doctor first spoke to me three little tears fell, but no more. My wife said, ‘I can’t believe how strong you’re being’ but I knew I’d make it.
“Injuries are not only a physical question, which is the most important thing of course, but also a question of your mind. If you’re thinking, ‘I’m not going to make it’, ‘I can’t cope’, ‘It hurts’, ‘It’s never going to get better’, then it won’t.
“My objective was clear: Be strong emotionally and physically. I wanted my children to be able to see me play at the World Cup.
“If they had said to me that the extent of the injury was greater, I’d have been worried. But knowing the grade of the injury, I was confident. I knew that there was time to make it.”
Whether Suarez is risked in the Uruguayans’ first game against the Central Americans remains to be seen, but he will be itching to get one over England at Arena Corinthians in São Paulo on Thursday, 19th June.
He will come face to face with Liverpool teammates such as Steven Gerrard, Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Glen Johnson and new signing Rickie Lambert.
“This is the game everyone is looking forward to most here,” he added. “It’s incredible to see how Uruguayans have followed Liverpool; they’ve become fans and that makes me feel very proud.
“To see an entire country waiting on the Liverpool games is incredible, or to see people angry because they can’t watch it because it’s only on satellite TV. People get up early in the morning to watch us play.
“I’ve already told Gerrard that we’ll swap shirts. And Glen will ask for my shirt, I’m sure. Maybe Daniel [Sturridge] and Raheem [Sterling] will as well – I’ll take a few with me.
“Yes, I’ll swap shirts. I’m not sure I’ll actually put it [an England shirt] on, though!”
The World Cup gets underway on Thursday, 12th June with Brazil v Crotia at 9pm UK time.
0 comments: