Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers begrudgingly admits that if there’s controversy, his star striker Luis Suarez is always in the thick of it.
Suarez was at the centre of events as the Reds survived a rocky ride at fifth-tier Mansfield Town in the FA Cup third round on Sunday, the Uruguay forward handling the ball in scoring what proved to be the winner in a 2-1 victory.
Suarez has been no stranger to controversy since his arrival in England in January 2011 and Rodgers accepted it just had to be him again.
“It always is, isn’t it?,” he told reporters.
“If it was someone else we probably wouldn’t even be discussing it. Sometimes these sorts of things will follow players.
“That’s part of his life. He deals with it remarkably well. He’s got thick skin. He’s had it throughout his life and his career in this country.”
However, the Northern Irishman insisted that despite Suarez’s bad reputation, people were beginning to appreciate his exceptional talent – and they should enjoy it while it lasts.
“I think what people are starting to recognise now is the ability that the boy has,” he said.
“He’s had seven yellow cards this year but he hasn’t warranted all seven.
“He’s a wonderful professional. I think in this country we need to make sure we enjoy it while he’s here because he’s a brilliant talent and he’s a good man as well.
“I obviously try and educate the players in every aspect of their lives and he’s very receptive. He’s someone who wants to come in every day and work.”
Rodgers said that referee Andre Marriner clearly felt the handball was not deliberate and it was not down to Suarez to intervene.
“It’s not his job to do that,” he said.
“I’m not sure what people want him to do in that situation. It’s not actually up to him. That’s the job of the officials.”
Suarez got his 19th goal of the season in the 59th minute at Field Mill, just five minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Eighth-placed Liverpool’s next match is at league leaders Manchester United, with Norwich at home and then Manchester City and Arsenal away – matches which could prove crucial to the Reds’ fortunes.
“They’re tough games. We’ll be in better condition for them than we were earlier in the season,” Rodgers said.