Ever since the whole “bitegate” phenomenon involving Luis
Suarez and Branislav Ivanovic occurred, every single person on this planet who
follows football knew that Suarez is not going to last. Not because of the
audacity of his actions, but simply because it was a classic case of “history”
repeating itself.
Suarez, who represented Ajax Amsterdam in the Dutch
League and scored 81 goals in 110 appearances, was involved in a similar
altercation with another player that led to the Uruguayan being handed an
analogous penalty. Now that I come to
think about it, the word “altercation” is too gentle. The actions of Suarez were
hands-down undisciplined and completely irrational. No matter how much
frustrated you are on the field, no matter how much things are not going in
your direction, you just cannot lose your cool. Don’t get me wrong, but even the
best have been involved in some pretty despicable scenarios (David Beckham,
Steven Gerrard, etc) but to do the same thing twice in three years just does
not cut it.
Coming back to Ajax, Suarez needless to say was on his
way out of the club after being handed a 10-match ban. Liverpool was his new
home. Anfield, his new playground. He
didn’t even serve a one-match ban. The penalty went just like that. And ask
anyone, but that is what the problem is to begin with. “If you commit the
crime, you gotta do the time.” Suarez didn’t. Which is what made him take
things for granted. Even after the whole Patrice Evra racism ignominy, Suarez
always had the backing of Liverpool. It was at that time when the Reds should
have taken things in control. Remember the Good ‘Ol days of Jamie Redknapp,
Paul Ince, Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, David James & co.? “Discipline” was
never compromised with in those days.
But nowadays, it’s all gone down the drain. A striker has
become bigger than the club. Brendan Rodgers, the manager, (Don’t get me
started on him.. that would need two more blog posts) for some shitty reason
always goes out of his way to pamper Suarez. Why? Is it because the club lacks
decent strike-force? It is because no one at Anfield has that scoring
capability? Maybe.. But then again, isn’t that your own created problem
Brendan? Buying idiots in the Transfer Window, Shifting Steven Gerrard to a
defensive midfielder role, letting go players who could have made the
difference, etc, etc, OH GOD etc..
The bottom line is that discipline and passion is totally
compromised at Anfield. The aim to win the league seems so distant that there
would be a man walking on Mars before the Kop end rejoices. One just cannot let
players become bigger than the club. And that is the sole reason why Sir Alex
Ferguson will go down as the greatest manager of all time. Sir Alex was never
afraid to put his foot down. Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ruud van
Nistelrooy, Roy Keane all have seen the wrath of Fergie. And that is why Manchester
United is where it is today.
Luis Suarez is probably the greatest thing that has
happened to Liverpool ever since Fernando Torres. Suarez has that talent to
become one the Legends at Anfield. If only he does not act like a Red Neck all
the time. And it’s not even his fault. The Manager and the Owners just don’t
give a Damn. One can’t blame Suarez to demand that he wants to play in the
Champions League. It’s natural. Every striker wants to play at the topmost
level. But the fact that Liverpool will not be playing in Europe for atleast
one more season combined with Suarez’s “I can get away with anything because
I’m the King” attitude is what is creating further problems.
Now is the time that Suarez can actually demand what he
wants. He’s playing at the top of his game. He’s got the goal-scoring ability. Clubs
like Real Madrid are after him. An opportunity to play in the Champions League
is in the air. And best of all, he has a 10-match Premier League ban just
waiting for him to serve. Why would anyone not want to move away?
I think the Club needs to put its foot down. Suarez needs
to go one way or the other. If he doesn’t, then it will be quite a while before
he actually gets his mind and heart back in the game for Liverpool. Now is the
time that Brendan can redeem himself. Now is the time that the resurrection of
the club can start. People talk so much about the Reds’ glorious history.. now
is the time to learn something from it. Implement tried and tested ideas rather
than experimenting with new ones. Because, quite frankly.. the news one are
just not working. To put it in a more “delicate” manner.. the new ideas and
“Shit”.
