BARCELONA - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers conceded his team have been hit by the departure of controversial but prolific striker Luis Suarez as they prepare to take on Champions League winners Real Madrid tomorrow.
Suarez, who has joined Barcelona on a five-year-deal, was the Premier League's top scorer last season with 31 goals as Liverpool ended two points behind champions Manchester City and earned a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
"I signed a three-year contract with the objective of winning the league and we almost did in the second season," Rodgers told Spanish newspaper As. "This natural progression of the team has been halted in some ways by the departure of Luis Suarez and the arrival of new players. Still, the club is in a good way as we have a young squad and we know that if we are going to improve then we need to take a short-term hit," he said.
Rodgers was effusive in his praise for the 27-year-old Uruguayan who joined Barcelona despite receiving a nine-match international ban and a four-month suspension from all soccer-related activities over his World Cup biting scandal.
"I enjoyed each minute I was working with him, he is a great guy. It's true that he had some issues on the pitch but I only have good words for him. Each day he arrived and prepared himself as the top players do and rested when necessary. Magic, pure magic."
Liverpool face a difficult task in Champions League Group B as they take on a Real side that has hit form, Cristiano Ronaldo in particular with 15 goals from the opening eight La Liga games.
"[Real] are a strong team and have been for many years. They have everything, a lot of experience, top players, speed and technique. They are a fantastic side with a great manager in [Carlo] Ancelotti who is also a nice guy and knows how to improve his players."
Rogers added that Liverpool were going in the right direction but a lot of work was still to be done.
"My philosophy was in place when I arrived at Liverpool and the first six months were about finding ways to get my principles across," he said. - Reuters
Reds struggling with life after Suarez
BARCELONA - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers conceded his team have been hit by the departure of controversial but prolific striker Luis Suarez as they prepare to take on Champions League winners Real Madrid tomorrow.
Suarez, who has joined Barcelona on a five-year-deal, was the Premier League's top scorer last season with 31 goals as Liverpool ended two points behind champions Manchester City and earned a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2009-10 season.
"I signed a three-year contract with the objective of winning the league and we almost did in the second season," Rodgers told Spanish newspaper As. "This natural progression of the team has been halted in some ways by the departure of Luis Suarez and the arrival of new players. Still, the club is in a good way as we have a young squad and we know that if we are going to improve then we need to take a short-term hit," he said.
Rodgers was effusive in his praise for the 27-year-old Uruguayan who joined Barcelona despite receiving a nine-match international ban and a four-month suspension from all soccer-related activities over his World Cup biting scandal.
"I enjoyed each minute I was working with him, he is a great guy. It's true that he had some issues on the pitch but I only have good words for him. Each day he arrived and prepared himself as the top players do and rested when necessary. Magic, pure magic."
Liverpool face a difficult task in Champions League Group B as they take on a Real side that has hit form, Cristiano Ronaldo in particular with 15 goals from the opening eight La Liga games.
"[Real] are a strong team and have been for many years. They have everything, a lot of experience, top players, speed and technique. They are a fantastic side with a great manager in [Carlo] Ancelotti who is also a nice guy and knows how to improve his players."
Rogers added that Liverpool were going in the right direction but a lot of work was still to be done.
"My philosophy was in place when I arrived at Liverpool and the first six months were about finding ways to get my principles across," he said. - Reuters
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