Suggestions that Liverpool should dispense with Brendan Rodgers are complete rubbish insists Luis Suarez after he launched an impassioned defence of his former manager. The Barcelona striker, who left Merseyside for £75million in the summer, insisted the Reds must qualify for next season’s Champions League and asserts Rodgers is the man to guide them there. Liverpool have withered since earning the right to play in Europe’s top club competition, failing to clinch the Premier League title and struggling badly domestically. Steven Gerrard looks dejected as Liverpool are knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday . Luis Suarez has backed Brendan Rodgers to take the club into next season's Champions League . Rodgers laughs during Liverpool training on Friday ahead of the Manchester United clash this weekend . Suarez moved to Barcelona this summer but played a huge role in leading Liverpool to second last season . That is largely thought to be down to the sale of Suarez, although the way in which the club reinvested that fee has come in for strict criticism. Now out of the Champions League and facing a real fight to finish in the top four, the Uruguayan has urged them not to waste the previous good work. ‘Liverpool will be disappointed not to progress out of their group, but the most important thing is that they were back playing at the highest level this season - and it gives them something to build on,’ Suarez said. Steven Gerrard takes a shot during Liverpool training at Melwood on Friday . Liverpool's players including Steven Gerrard (right) look dejected during their home draw with Basle . Basle's Swiss midfielder Fabian Frei (centre) celebrates after scoring the opener against Liverpool . Suarez celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Norwich City last season during a stellar year . ‘The reason they were back playing Champions League football is because of Brendan Rodgers - and he is the right man to guide them back there again next season. ‘They must qualify for The Champions League next season. If it comes via the league or winning The Europe League - it is not important how. This season can't be a one off though, because The Champions League is where the club belongs - and it is what the fans expect.’ Suarez runs away in celebration while Norwich keeper John Ruddy (right) lies on the floor . Liverpool's Spanish defender Jose Enrique (right) challenges Basle's Derlis Gonzalez on Tuesday .
Luis Suarez has backed Brendan Rodgers to succeed this season .
He insists Liverpool 'must qualify' for next season's Champions League .
Suarez believes the Reds 'belong' in Europe's premier competition .
He has backed Rodgers to guide them into next season's competition .
Suggestions that Liverpool should dispense with Brendan Rodgers are complete rubbish insists Luis Suarez after he launched an impassioned defence of his former manager. The Barcelona striker, who left Merseyside for £75million in the summer, insisted the Reds must qualify for next season’s Champions League and asserts Rodgers is the man to guide them there. Liverpool have withered since earning the right to play in Europe’s top club competition, failing to clinch the Premier League title and struggling badly domestically. Steven Gerrard looks dejected as Liverpool are knocked out of the Champions League on Tuesday . Luis Suarez has backed Brendan Rodgers to take the club into next season's Champions League . Rodgers laughs during Liverpool training on Friday ahead of the Manchester United clash this weekend . Suarez moved to Barcelona this summer but played a huge role in leading Liverpool to second last season . That is largely thought to be down to the sale of Suarez, although the way in which the club reinvested that fee has come in for strict criticism. Now out of the Champions League and facing a real fight to finish in the top four, the Uruguayan has urged them not to waste the previous good work. ‘Liverpool will be disappointed not to progress out of their group, but the most important thing is that they were back playing at the highest level this season - and it gives them something to build on,’ Suarez said. Steven Gerrard takes a shot during Liverpool training at Melwood on Friday . Liverpool's players including Steven Gerrard (right) look dejected during their home draw with Basle . Basle's Swiss midfielder Fabian Frei (centre) celebrates after scoring the opener against Liverpool . Suarez celebrates scoring for Liverpool against Norwich City last season during a stellar year . ‘The reason they were back playing Champions League football is because of Brendan Rodgers - and he is the right man to guide them back there again next season. ‘They must qualify for The Champions League next season. If it comes via the league or winning The Europe League - it is not important how. This season can't be a one off though, because The Champions League is where the club belongs - and it is what the fans expect.’ Suarez runs away in celebration while Norwich keeper John Ruddy (right) lies on the floor . Liverpool's Spanish defender Jose Enrique (right) challenges Basle's Derlis Gonzalez on Tuesday .
insisted the Reds must qualify for next season’s to guide them there. Liverpool have withered Luis Suarez has backed Brendan Rodgers to take the club into next season's Champions League .