• Premier League

Suarez: I'm no diver, people attack me for no reason

ESPN staff
November 11, 2012
Luis Suarez mocked David Moyes at Everton © PA Photos
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Luis Suarez has hit back at claims he is a diver, and the Uruguayan forward has targeted a top-four finish with Liverpool this season.

Suarez has been criticised by managers in the Premier League this season, with both Tony Pulis and David Moyes calling into question the antics of Liverpool's No. 7.

The Anfield club are currently preparing to take on Chelsea on Sunday, with Suarez enjoying his best goalscoring run for the club. He has already hit double-figures for the season, including a brace at Everton when he answered Moyes' barbs by feigning a dive right in front of the Scot.

However, Suarez insists he is targeted by defenders in the Premier League and is not given enough protection by referees, as supported by denied penalty shouts against Norwich and Newcastle this season.

"I insist I don't dive in the penalty area," Suarez said. "This is my career and the bad reputation created around me is unjust.

"If you analyse the statistics I am one of the forwards who receives the most fouls and free-kicks. There always seems to be controversy surrounding me but I accept the referee's decisions - they are only human.

"I accept the criticism against me but many people attack me without reason. That doesn't please me but I try to do my best day by day."

With Liverpool already nine points adrift of fourth place in the table it is vital they earn a result at title-chasing Chelsea, with fears growing that Suarez will seek Champions League football if the Reds fail to qualify this season. The Uruguayan is convinced, though, that Brendan Rodgers will get things right.

"Liverpool are one of the top clubs in England and we are obliged to fight for all the titles, including the Premier League. This has become complicated because of results so far so we need to give our maximum in every match.

"Rodgers is a new coach and it's normal that things will get better match to match. I'm confident it will work. My dream for this season is to make the top four. Our squad should be fighting against the biggest rivals in this division."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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