The boss at Anfield, Brendan Rodgers came out to comfort his troubled striker, Luis Suarez, by telling him that he can still win over the respect of the English crowd, as perceptions change quickly in football.
The Uruguayan International is currently, one of the most controversial figures in the Premier League, following his racial assault against the Manchester United’s defender, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Patrice-Evra-c29231 in October.
Since then, he has become one of the most detested players in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749. He was repeatedly jeered by the away crowds during the second half of the previous season, and was also at the receiving end of some acerbic treatment from the Great Britain fans, during
the Olympic Games.
Given the striker’s recent remarks against the Red Devils, in which he accused them of using their political influence to malign his position in the Premier League, his relationship with the crowds is not likely to improve in the foreseeable future.
However, the Northern Irishman has got a different say on the matter. He was of the opinion that the player’s disparagement by the spectators grows to show that they viewed him as a threat, and it had only served to strengthen his character.
He told the reporters in an interview, “I didn't hear the reaction (during the Olympics) but top players get a bit of stick at every away ground. But if there is a negative reaction towards a player it is normally because they are good.”
The former Swansea City boss then went on to cite the example of the Three Lions superstar, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/David-Beckham-c10432, to insist that perceptions can be quickly changed in football.
The ex Manchester United ace, who got sent off during England’s Round of 16 match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Argentina-c2841 during the 1998 World Cup, was ridiculed and derided by the English media and fans after the competition.
Nevertheless, he went on to win the love and respect of the entire footballing world later on, and is currently considered as one of the most decorated figures in England.
Rodgers added, “Looking at the David Beckham scenario a number of years ago, they were burning effigies of him. Now he is king of the world. That is how it can change.”
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