Sunday, August 18, 2013

Rodgers Satisfied By Suarez Resolution

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to discuss Luis Suarez's future after the victory over Stoke but did say he was happy with the way the situation had been "resolved".

The Uruguayan was in the stands with his family as a Daniel Sturridge goal and a late penalty save by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet gave Liverpool a winning start to the season at Anfield.

Suarez had earlier appeared on the pitch to wave to fans while wearing a Liverpool tracksuit.

"He is a part of our team, part of our club," Rodgers said.

"But I won't be saying anything on Luis Suarez, purely out of respect to the players that are here working hard. The only thing I will say is that I am very satisfied with the way everything has been resolved. We as a club are looking to the future and moving forward."

Suarez appeared at Anfield having brokered a truce with Liverpool by pledging to commit himself to the cause for as long as he remains at the club.

It is understood that he stopped short of offering either Rodgers or his team-mates a full apology but the Uruguayan's meeting with Rodgers did take the heat out of the situation and saw him invited back to train with the first-team squad.

The Suarez situation has overshadowed Liverpool's preparations for the new season, with the striker accusing the club of reneging on a verbal promise to sell him this summer in a newspaper interview.

Rodgers said he had been delighted with the way his players had put the issue to one side against Stoke.

"So much was written about us this summer but the players have shown a focus on getting results. That was a terrific result for us," he added.

Despite this uneasy peace, Suarez could still leave Anfield before the transfer window closes, with Arsenal, who have two bids rejected for him, still interested. The striker remains banned for a further six matches for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic last season.

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