Topic: The madness (or genius) of Prince Luis - our Talisman or a loose cannon?

[Shanks1965]

There is supposed to be a fine line between genius and madness. Whether there is or whether its just a good cliche I don't know but we have probably seen our Luis step either side of that line of late.

He is an iconic player for a number of reasons, not least because he is a superb footballer, brilliantly unpredictable, genius like at times. We love players like that, our best teams have always had someone capable of doing something that no one else could do. That's why such players are held by us in such high esteem and when they play with a passion and desire to do their best for the team, the shirt, the badge and for us they become legends. Luis has assumed that role almost from the day he arrived and as a result has become a favourite of supporters young and old. There is though another side to him that leaves us somewhat baffled or even concerned at times.

We know of his history before joining us and until recently he has largely avoided confrontation with match officals and the authorities and people who control the game both on and off the pitch. He has a reputation for diving which makes him very unpopular with many and his' latin styled' arm waving towards referees accompanied with inaudible mutterings are clear evidence of the emotion he puts into every game as he plays with his heart on his sleeve. That though leaves him vulnerable to events as he pushes every boundary in a desire to win. The last 3-4 months and in particular the last 24-48 hours provide ample evidence of that. Even last Monday when he came on against Spurs he immediately changed the game and then risked even being sent off (on another day) with a bizarre kick on Scott Parker for no apparent reason. Yesterday's events bordered at times on getting out of control too and when he booted the ball in the direction of the bench/crowd on the stroke of half time his personal frustrations and what had gone on before quite probably contributed to the reported bust-up in the tunnel and all that followed. His self restraint at the final whistle though is to be applauded.

Personally I have backed him to the hilt and still do and I have many 'conversations' with people, reasonable people and even other Reds over the last month following his ban and the publishing of the report. People who feel he was in the wrong and let the club down. I've read the 115 page report but its easy in my view to see how the Commission reached the decision that they did but that doesnt mean I agree with it. I am both pleased and dissapointed by his apology today and feel that the events of the last 24 hours should have been avoided. Pleased because it probably had to be said but dissapointed for the club and in particular Kenny for the position it has put him in. I am though now wondering how does Luis Suarez feel right now?

Embarrassed? Angry? Isolated? Wondering if playing football in this country is worth it?... and if he does will he be able to put it all behind him or will he take it onto the pitch with him?

It is though time to draw a line and move on but there is now another part of me that is left wondering how long until the next time his emotions get the better of him and when they do will the powers that be, be ready and waiting for him? He seems to be that sort of player, one who sails (and plays) close to the wind, kicks and heads every ball with his emotions and will probably always run with his feet either side of the line. Try to curb it and we risk him loosing that spark that makes him great and different and unique. Fail to curb it in some way and we might risk loosing him perhaps for good.

[ALANM]

Your last paragraph perfectly describes Rooney. Except for the fact that Rooney is English, so it doesn't matter what he does!!

[Stretch Armstrong]

We moan about not having talented players who show emotion, we get one then question if he's a loose cannon.  You support him but seem to forget he's quite clear on the point that he's innocent in this and quite rightly fucked off.  He's treated like a racist shit by all quarters and unhappy about it, support him or don't but realise he's not a loose cannon but a human being with feelings

So disrespectful to the man, this isn't about football but a man that has been labelled a racist in front of a kangaroo court

[isildurrr]

Only time can answer this.

I think players like him and lucas are made of the same ilk.different situations i know but i think he'll want to put his head down and become the best damn player this league has seen.

if he decides to go well make our money back at the very least but given our recent transfer record i doubt we'd be able to find such a good player at such a price

[Appreciator of former strikers]

Your last paragraph perfectly describes Rooney. Except for the fact that Rooney is English, so it doesn't matter what he does!!

rooney has gotten much better

[redbyrdz]

Loose cannon.... maybe thats why they call him el pistolero.

Stand by him, he's still young, in a new country. He'll calm down eventually. Look at Bellamy.

[Upinsmoke]

He's an emotional guy, we knew that. Nothing has changed.

He's a great footballer, we knew that. Nothing has changed

[hedger]

He is a great footballer who plays with his heart on his sleeve. He made a mistake yday but so what. He now needs to get back to form and fitness for the run in

[krispy.red]

He wants to win more than any supporter out there. Good enough for me.

[KennyDaggers]

He wants to win more than any supporter out there. Good enough for me.

What nonsense.

He's a loose cannon, potentially he's a top class player but that's some way off yet. He just needs to knuckle down, cut out getting involved in all kinds of incidents every week and get on with playing.

If he doesnt, he won't be here in 18 months I am quite sure about that.

[UntouchableLuis]

Don't like some of his dives/rolling around, I'll admit that.

Love everything else about him. We have to get behind him; he's one of the only true quality players we have left at the club.

[Hazell]

What nonsense.

He's a loose cannon, potentially he's a top class player but that's some way off yet. He just needs to knuckle down, cut out getting involved in all kinds of incidents every week and get on with playing.

If he doesnt, he won't be here in 18 months I am quite sure about that.

What kind of 'incidents'? Not shaking the hand of someone who he feels had made false accusations against him? If that's the worst incident in his copybook since he's arrived here, then he's not doing too badly.

[krispy.red]

What nonsense.

He's a loose cannon, potentially he's a top class player but that's some way off yet. He just needs to knuckle down, cut out getting involved in all kinds of incidents every week and get on with playing.

If he doesnt, he won't be here in 18 months I am quite sure about that.

What nonsense.

[matt120979]

... he's quite clear on the point that he's innocent in this and quite rightly fucked off.  He's treated like a racist shit by all quarters and unhappy about it... a human being with feelings

... this isn't about football but a man that has been labelled a racist in front of a kangaroo court

Amid all the bullsh*t, this seems to have been forgotten.

[gazzathered]

He wants to win, wants to play every game, is a magician on the pitch and world class.
The whole Suarez/Evra case has got out of hand with the media etc...
I love Suarez at this club and I'll take him any day of the week instead of players who look like they can't be bothered like Downing.

[dorsetgill]

His passionate about the game.Ynwa Luis

[Jellies]

I hope that crazy bugger stays. I want to cheer a crazy and insanely talented maniac next time I go to a game.

[Adeemo]

Don't like some of his dives/rolling around, I'll admit that.

Serious question, which of his dives did you dislike the most? Which one sticks in your memory?

[corkboy]

He's mad.

There are players like that who cross the white line and suddenly, everything they think about anything is correct, and anyone who disagrees is an enemy. Cantona was like that, Di Canio, Keane. When the result is still up for grabs, it's get the fuck out of my way so I can do what I want. Bellamy has a touch of it, so did Souness (except he was much smarter about it). Keane got himself banned for the European Cup final and still raged his way all over Juventus, and thought nothing of trying to do someone over a years old grudge, because fuck you. Anything to win, no matter the cost. Cantona was similar, the only thing that mattered was that he be allowed to do what he wanted, and Di Canio used to go fucking nuts when any decision went against him.

Some time ago, I remember Suarez got a chance and blew it wide and before the ball had even hit the crowd, he was stamping and kicking the turf. Couldn't care less who was watching, or how many unmarked teammates were hollering. He just had his little tantrum at himself. It's funny to watch, and it's thrilling too because everyone loves a guy like that on your team. See how our centre halves shepherded him off the pitch and blocked off all comers in the tunnel. Managers love a player like that, too, and it is almost unnecessary to point out mr ferguson's hypocrisy about him when one considers that he bought Keane and Cantona and tried to buy Di Canio.

It becomes ever more depressing but Gary Neville is by some distance the best football pundit out there. He said, of the pre match palaver, that it didn't bother him at all. They don't like each other. Nothing wrong with it, this is Liverpool and the Mancs, this is the real deal. You're not supposed to like each other, get on with it. The sooner the chattering classes fess up and admit they fucking love guys like Suarez, the better. Everyone needs a villain.

[killer_heels]

He's mad.

There are players like that who cross the white line and suddenly, everything they think about anything is correct, and anyone who disagrees is an enemy. Cantona was like that, Di Canio, Keane. When the result is still up for grabs, it's get the fuck out of my way so I can do what I want. Bellamy has a touch of it, so did Souness (except he was much smarter about it). Keane got himself banned for the European Cup final and still raged his way all over Juventus, and thought nothing of trying to do someone over a years old grudge, because fuck you. Anything to win, no matter the cost. Cantona was similar, the only thing that mattered was that he be allowed to what he wanted, and Di Canio used to go fucking nuts when any decision went against him.

Some time ago, I remember Suarez got a chance and blew it wide and before the ball had even hit the crowd, he was stamping and kicking the turf. Couldn't care less who was watching, or how many unmarked teammates were hollering. He just had his little tantrum at himself. It's funny to watch, and it's thrilling too because everyone loves a guy like that on your team. See how our centre halves shepherded him off the pitch and blocked off all comers in the tunnel. Managers love a player like that, too, and it is almost unnecessary to point out mr ferguson's hypocrisy about him when one considers that he bought Keane and Cantona and tried to buy Di Canio.

It becomes ever more depressing but Gary Neville is by some distance the best football pundit out there. He said, of the pre match palaver, that it didn't bother him at all. They don't like each other. Nothing wrong with it, this is Liverpool and the Mancs, this is the real deal. You're not supposed to like each other, get on with it. The sooner the chattering classes fess up and admit they fucking love guys like Suarez, the better. Everyone needs a villain.

We cannot have or be the villain. It's not good PR.

[El Ninos Black Eye]

Cantona was far more of a loose cannon. But he got away with it because of the Fergie driven Man U loving press.

[Adeemo]

It becomes ever more depressing but Gary Neville is by some distance the best football pundit out there. He said, of the pre match palaver, that it didn't bother him at all. They don't like each other. Nothing wrong with it, this is Liverpool and the Mancs, this is the real deal. You're not supposed to like each other, get on with it. The sooner the chattering classes fess up and admit they fucking love guys like Suarez, the better. Everyone needs a villain.

Was a very revealing insight into the mentality the mancs have had for the last 20 or so years, one of the reasons why they've collected so many trophies during that period. It's something we've definitely been lacking the majority of the time.

[shook]

The only reason to consider him a "loose cannon" is if one is driven by media-fueled propaganda.  Remind me again of the ethical standards of the British media?  How many newspapers have been executed or are on death row in England?  I'm kind of surprised by the lack of comment on this website over a certain newspaper being raided this weekend.  IMO, its ironic, the Suarez non-story has overshadowed that, even on here

Some time ago, I remember Suarez got a chance and blew it wide and before the ball had even hit the crowd, he was stamping and kicking the turf. Couldn't care less who was watching, or how many unmarked teammates were hollering. He just had his little tantrum at himself. It's funny to watch, and it's thrilling too because everyone loves a guy like that on your team. See how our centre halves shepherded him off the pitch and blocked off all comers in the tunnel. Managers love a player like that, too, and it is almost unnecessary to point out mr ferguson's hypocrisy about him when one considers that he bought Keane and Cantona and tried to buy Di Canio.

[/i]

Pretty sure that was the Manc game last year where he nutmegged Evra and danced around 2 other players before scuffing the shot.

[Jellies]

Take this:

 

[Chalky Boots]

He's passionate that's really all there is to it, maybe a dosage of immaturity is still there but that'll go with his years here.

Players like Maradona, Gazza, Di Canio , Cassano were loose cannons.

I'd put Luis in the Batistuta and Totti category.

I love him, but sometimes I think he shows immaturity.
So long as he takes Kennys words of advice on board and becomes more mature then he'll be a better human being and player for it.

[eirwen]

Well I hope he can mature a little.

It's like the argument for Rooney. I never liked the excuses the media made for him, and we all know Suarez wouldn't enjoy the same treatment since he's not English.

[absoluttchamp]

He is one of us, not perfect, but he is real.

[Jay797]

We moan about not having talented players who show emotion, we get one then question if he's a loose cannon.  You support him but seem to forget he's quite clear on the point that he's innocent in this and quite rightly fucked off.  He's treated like a racist shit by all quarters and unhappy about it, support him or don't but realise he's not a loose cannon but a human being with feelings

So disrespectful to the man, this isn't about football but a man that has been labelled a racist in front of a kangaroo court

Agree with you on this.

[Barneylfc]

He wants to win more than any supporter out there. Good enough for me.

Thats right up there with the worsts posts I've seen on here. I've been an LFC fan for the best part of my 30 years on this planet. I've cried at times over LFC. I've almost lost relationships over LFC. I have lost a job over LFC. To say that a player who has been at the club little over 12 months wants to win more than any supporter is absolutely ridiculous.
I personally love the feistyness he has. Wouldnt change it at all. Really dont think there was anything wrong with what he done yesterday. He should have made clear to the club that he wasnt going to shake hands if that was his intention. Wayne Bridge didnt get vilified for not shaking Terry's hand. Ferdinand hasnt been vilified for not shaking Luis' hand. So why the fuck is Suarez being vilified. His whole life now is tarnished because of an unproven allegation so he doesnt want to shake the persons hand who is responsible for that. I'm ok with that.
There's been players down the years with a worse temperament than Suarez.

[Armand9]

It is though time to draw a line and move on but there is now another part of me that is left wondering how long until the next time his emotions get the better of him and when they do will the powers that be, be ready and waiting for him? He seems to be that sort of player, one who sails (and plays) close to the wind, kicks and heads every ball with his emotions and will probably always run with his feet either side of the line. Try to curb it and we risk him loosing that spark that makes him great and different and unique. Fail to curb it in some way and we might risk loosing him perhaps for good.

The last paragraph could be about bellamy. This business about 'losing that spark' if players control their wilder side (rooney etc) - he considers it a myth (speaks about this in his current lfctv 60mins with ...), he feels he's calmed down a tad (I'd say he has too), not crossing the line and his football has improved because of it.

[McMahon]

The last paragraph could be about bellamy. This business about 'losing that spark' if players control their wilder side (rooney etc) - he considers it a myth (speaks about this in his current lfctv 60mins with ...), he feels he's calmed down a tad (I'd say he has too), not crossing the line and his football has improved because of it.

I would say he has improved due to the fact he is now a very experienced player, who has managed to keep his speed. The leopard hasnt changed his spots at all, he is just wiser.

[Red_Isle_Chap]

I'll be honest the whole situation has made me laugh. So many people riding along on the crest of the hysteria wave. And there's no need. I can understand the apologies from Kenny, Suarez and Ayre today, but for me, the whole thing nearly worked the way Luis wanted it to.

Make no bones about it, if the druggie hadn't got in the way in that collision in the first couple of minutes, Evra would have had a straight red for a horrific tackle on Luis. Luis didn't shake his hand because he knew that it would wind Evra and some of his teammates up, and it did. Just needed a more composed ball as evra and rio were taking each other out and we'd have been 1-0 up.

To me, it really is that simple. Suarez is the biggest wum we've ever had, he does it to everyone he plays against, he tries to make them make mistakes by losing their concentration. That collision was between 2 idiots who were so desperate to get to him because he wound them up in the handshake they lost their composure in that instance.

Then, as the first half ended I had to head out of the pub for a ciggie because there were too many fucking idiot liverpool fans saying "we've got to sell that suarez, he's got a bad attitude"

Luis Suarez is special, he's a fucking amazing player, everyone seems to hate him because he's that fucking good he regularly makes people look like fucking mugs. Just so happens that the overlord of football in this country has seen to it that his lackeys hunt Luis down and try to ruin him.

Time will only tell if we as a club can deal with the way he is. I, personally, have no problem with how Suarez is. He's passionate and wants to win. He is a winner. If we decide that his "shenanigans" are too much for the club and sell him in the summer, don't be fucking coming on here weeping like a bunch of girls with skinned knees because we've ended up with some british, overpriced shite to replace him, because if we don't stand by the lad, that'll be all we fucking deserve.

Suarez is fucking awesome. He's not bigger than the club, no one is, but he sure as hell is our most creative player and one of only a very small group of players who look like they have the talent to drag us back into the fabled top 4.

[Cpt_Reina]

Can only echo Corkboy's excellent post.

Suarez is a maverick and he's a winner. I wouldn't have it any other way. A few more in our squad could do with a dose of what Bellamy and Suarez have got, they just do not give a shit what anyone thinks of them. They play to win and will do so by any means necessary.

You'll get the odd kick and the odd card. But what you get in return is a player who does what needs to be done, someone who wont hide and someone who wants to win every fucking match.

He doesnt need to change at all.

[Cruiser]

Uruguayans are tough bastards, unpredictable and crazy at times. Luis is no different. He brings that fire and passion to our game that we complain others lack.

Hes also a brilliant player, technically our best player and a winner. I'm sure hes had a hard lesson of life in this country over the last few weeks but over the long run it will only make him stronger and for the better.

Everyone else can go fuck themselves.

[tanvir]

By all accounts he is a settled family man. He has the odd blown-all-out-of-proportion-and-scrutinised-under-a-magnifying-glass-by-the-fucking-media moment on the pitch, I admit.
 
If he was a 'loose cannon' his off the field behaviour would be cuntish surely? I don't know the lad but he's 25 and hasn't been in any scandals that I know of.

Don't ever let Kenny down again though Luis, but I'm sure he knows this now in no uncertain terms.

[Cpt_Reina]

Still remember the time Rafael went through Lucas last year (just after Carra did Nani) and it was all going off. Luis slyly gives his hair a little tug to wind the little shit up even more.

Its not nice, but fuck being nice. Id rather win and be hated by everyone then be everyone's favourite also-rans.

[wonderboy]

I love him. He's a red and if he leaves it will be because he is forced out, unlike a certain #9 who plays for Chelsea.

[Armand9]

I would say he has improved due to the fact he is now a very experienced player, who has managed to keep his speed. The leopard hasnt changed his spots at all, he is just wiser.

Wiser - calmer, in this case i think we're describing the same thing. He wasn't talking about losing passion, just controlling himself so he didn't cross 'the line' - which makes him appear calmer (as far as bellamy can ) but could easily be called wiser.

Whatever the case, his point still stands - in that in his own opinion - he believes this thought about players who go too far/fly off the handle would lose their football prowess if they controlled it is a load of big bollocks.

[The Lash]

What nonsense.

He's a loose cannon, potentially he's a top class player but that's some way off yet. He just needs to knuckle down, cut out getting involved in all kinds of incidents every week and get on with playing.

If he doesnt, he won't be here in 18 months I am quite sure about that.

getting involved in incidents every week!!!! he does no more or less than any other player who plays with passion. It goes un noticed when certain players tell the ref to fuck off multiple times during a game. What do you think the outcome would be if Luis did this?

Stop following the sky fed line and think for yourself lad. We have a world class player and certain people dont like it, they will do all they can to remove him from our team.

[The Lash]

Uruguayans are tough bastards, unpredictable and crazy at times. Luis is no different. He brings that fire and passion to our game that we complain others lack.

Hes also a brilliant player, technically our best player and a winner. I'm sure hes had a hard lesson of life in this country over the last few weeks but over the long run it will only make him stronger and for the better.

Everyone else can go fuck themselves.

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