Brendan Rodgers sought to draw a line under recent Suarez speculation as he prepares for the start of the season.
Brendan Rodgers says he won't talk anymore about Luis Suarez out of respect to the rest of the squad. pic.twitter.com/b0tKFLLAby
— Steve Hothersall (@stevehothersall) 15 August 2013
In the press conference ahead of the Stoke game, the manager was asked about Liverpool's wantaway striker:
“There has been so much written and said about Luis over the past few months.
“From our perspective, there has been a standpoint within the club and myself over where it was at and that hasn't changed.
“What I want to concentrate on is the players who are available for this weekend.
“I won't be speaking any more about Luis Suarez until he's available out of respect for those players who have been working ever so hard with focus and concentration ahead of this game.
“I want to only speak about them. I don't want to answer any more on Luis Suarez.
“There is nothing to be said that hasn't already been said. It's great for you guys but I'm sure people are fed up with listening and reading about it.
“My only concentration is the players who are available. They have had a hard pre-season and have worked tirelessly.”
Liverpool kick off the season against Stoke City at Anfield on Saturday.
