"Luis Suarez is not at Barça to play second fiddle"

"Luis Suarez is not at Barça to play second fiddle"

The long managerial career of Martin Lasarte (Montevideo, March 20 1961) is associated with the discovery of players such as Antonie Griezmann and Asier Illarramendi, but also on his curriculum appears the honour of handing Luis Suarez his debut.

It was 2005 and the striker had just turned 18, but Lasarte had no doubt that he was ready for his big moment. "He was a boy who played like a man," the new Universidad de Chile manager recalled.

May 2005. Copa Libertadores. Barranquilla-Nacional de Uruguay. What do you remember?

It was Luis' debut. I remember that it had been really hot and he was included in the list of 25 players for the match at the last minute. He played on the right wing and demonstrated that we had not made a mistake by getting him involved. A little while later we were playing in another game and I remember Lendoiro telling me he liked the kid [Suarez]. I told him he didn't have enough money to sign him, he was already on the road to being a star.

What early qualities did he have?

Basically he was different to any other striker. He could have the ball at his feet and solve a game by himself. He was really technical, capable of doing things in really small spaces and he possessed great power.

How has he evolved?

Physically he is more powerful now and he has overcome the tendency to gain weight which he had when he was younger. He's added a lot to his attacking game too; he can score with his right, his left and his head. His mental level is incredible: he is so amitions and has overcome so many barriers which have been in his way. He wanted to play for Uruguay and sign for a great team and he has achieved that. Also, technically he has corrected a few things.

Like what for example...

He's always had individualy quality, but now he is also capable of playing as part of a team. He's also maintained the the ego you need to be a great striker, but he's not too egocentric. He has found the right balance that you need to succeed.

In Barça there's a tendency to think all attacks must end at the boots of Lionel Messi, how can Suarez fit in to this?

I see Luis fitting in well with the Barça way, but he will not be second fiddle to anyone, in the best sense of the words. He has a great personaltiy, believes in himself, and I am sure that he will achieve a working relationship with Messi that will make them both feel comfortable.

What do you thing of the Suarez-Messi-Neymar trident?

Tremendous! You couldn't even dream of something like that. Now the work is for Luis Enrique, who must gel the talents and egos of all three together. In that attack there is talent, goals, personality and a winning mentality.

You've said Luis Suarez has a great character, but this hasn't always gone in his favour...

Since he was young he had the need to win and the belief to grow. He always tried to improve his work, staying after training and putting in extra hours. These days he is a fantastic guy, always aware of where he has come from. But it is true that he must improve his character a little.

Is it worrying the way he has lost his temper on occasions?

There are players that kick people in the knee 30 times in their career and nobody cares. What has happened in the case of Luis is that his actions have been more striking. I would love to know why they happen and give him a wake-up call. But it is important that he has apoligised now: he is much more than a biter.

You're still in contact, have you spoke about these incidents?

He is not stupid, he is a really reflexive and intelligent person. When he was young he thought he knew it all, but today he's just a normal man. He loves to spend time with his family, as you see when he dedicates goals to his children and his wife. He's always been generous with those that he cares for. He knows perfectly who he is, and what are his errors and his virtues.

At Barça there's a lot of pressure, is he prepared for what is to come or could he repeat his previous erros?

He is well accustomed to pressure and criticism. In England he lived the worst situation of his career when he was accused of being racist, but he overcame it. He's always lived with rivalry, which is a huge part of South America. I am convinced that he can endure the pressure. I always say the same: when they go after you it is because they fear you.

What do you think of the ban imposed by FIFA?

It's clear that he deserved a sanction, but it is absurd and excessive. He should not have left the World Cup through the back door. He is paying the price for not corresponding. In this crazy world that we live in, everyone wants to say "fair play" because digging a little deeper would scare them. We already know that this is how football goes, but we are hypocrites and nobody is prepared to throw the cat among the pigeons.