Luis Suarez has tunnel vision for the remainder of this season. The Uruguayan is on a mission to experience the UEFA Champions League nights at Anfield he has heard so much about.
With 10 games left for Liverpool in 2013-14, Brendan Rodgers’ side is currently claiming second place in the Barclays Premier League standings following its 3-0 victory at Southampton.
In addition to being just four points behind leaders Chelsea, the Reds hold a six-point cushion over fifth-place Tottenham Hotspur in their quest for a return to European soccer’s elite competition.
Suarez has tested his skills in the Champions League before, with his former club Ajax, but from conversations with his teammates the Uruguayan knows such games are extra special at Anfield.
“Everyone says Champions League nights at Anfield are amazing — memories you guard forever,” the Reds’ No. 7 said in the latest edition of FourFourTwo magazine.
“It would be an unforgettable experience, and it’s been too long since that happened. I’d actually prefer not to win this Golden Boot and for Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League this season.
“Any player would miss the Champions League. We’ve not been good enough since I’ve been here to qualify, but this could definitely be our year.
“It would be a frustration not to get fourth because we’ve done everything possible and given our maximum to qualify.”
Suarez opened the scoring at St Mary’s last weekend, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to instantly side-foot a perfect, low curler into the bottom corner for his 24th Premier League strike of the campaign.
The 27-year-old, who has also provided more assists than any other player in the division, has no intention of slowing down, though. In fact, it’s full steam ahead until the 2014 FIFA World Cup and beyond.
“This is my best season yet,” he added. “I feel in a very good place, physically and mentally. Every day, I feel better in this club.
“I signed my new contract because I’m very happy here and I want to stay where I’m enjoying football and life. Playing in the Champions League isn’t dependent on that.
“I hope to continue down this path because we want Champions League football for Liverpool and, personally speaking, I want to continue that mentality throughout the World Cup with Uruguay.”
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