Rodgers: Liverpool does not need to sell Suarez

Posted Monday, April 01, 2013 by YAHOO Sport

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has claimed that there is no need for the Reds to sell Luis Suarez despite persistent speculation linking the striker with a host of top European clubs.

Suarez played a key part in the 2-1 victory over Aston Villa on Sunday, winning the penalty that Steven Gerrard converted to put Rodgers' team ahead.

The Uruguayan is in the running for Player of the Year honors, and Rodgers says that there is no pressure that might force the club to cash in on its prize asset despite the fact that it looks set to miss out on Champions League qualification once again.

"It is very important [we keep him]," Rodgers told reporters. "He is a wonderful player. We don't have to sell him. There is nothing like that.

"He is very happy. We don't need to sell him for the money. We are trying to build a good group here and we want to keep striving forward, so there is no need to sell him."

Rodgers paid tribute to the 26-year-old's display after a tiring week that included significant amounts of traveling to represent Uruguay during the international break.

"He was away on international with Uruguay, he came back late on Thursday, but was in training on Friday," Rodgers said. "I've got to say I noticed how tired he looked; his face, his body, he just looked totally shattered. But he came in today and his willingness to work for the team and sheer quality were incredible. He frightens defenders."