Luis Suarez on Liverpool: A Striker’s Retrospective
Suarez’s Stark Revelation About Liverpool’s Appeal
In a revealing interview with Duda Garbi’s YouTube channel, Luis Suarez, a name synonymous with Liverpool’s recent history, disclosed his thoughts about the club’s appeal during his tenure. “No one wanted to play for Liverpool,” he stated, highlighting the club’s struggle to attract premier talent before the Klopp era.
The Challenge of Building a Competitive Squad
Suarez’s comments underscore the challenges Liverpool faced in assembling a competitive team. He pointed out the reliance on loans, with players like Coutinho and Sturridge initially joining in such capacity. “We got Coutinho on loan from Inter Milan and then we bought him. We also got Sturridge on loan, and those two helped a bit more – but no one wanted to play for us,” Suarez explained.
Suarez’s Pivotal Role in Liverpool’s Near Triumph
During his 2011-2014 stint, Suarez’s impact was monumental. The 2013/14 season saw him score 31 Premier League goals, earning both the PFA and FWA Player of the Season awards. Despite his heroics, including several hattricks, Liverpool narrowly missed out on the Premier League title. Suarez implied that the squad’s limited star quality might have been a hindrance: “The time I played for Liverpool, I think it was awesome because our team wasn’t filled with stars. It was a regular squad and we still almost won the Premier League.”
The Turning Point: Suarez’s Departure and Liverpool’s Resurgence
Suarez’s departure to Barcelona in 2014 marked a turning point for Liverpool. Reflecting on this, he said, “And then when I got sold, Liverpool started to get some money [by] qualifying for the Champions League and all of a sudden everyone wanted Liverpool.” This shift in fortunes, as Suarez noted, was crucial in rebuilding the club’s reputation and competitive edge.
Suarez’s Enduring Impact and Liverpool’s Transformation
Luis Suarez’s time at Liverpool is a tale of personal triumph amidst collective struggle. His candid reflections reveal the realities of a club in transition, struggling for respect and appeal. Yet, his contributions laid the groundwork for the club’s resurgence under Jurgen Klopp. Today, Liverpool stands as a testament to the change that can occur when a club combines strategic rebuilding with the drive of players like Suarez.
