Psychologist: Luis Suarez must experience frustration in training to learn how to cope with his anger
By Jamie Roberton: ITV News
Luis Suarez needs to be left frustrated on the training ground so he can learn how to respond differently rather than instinctively biting his opponents, a leading sports psychologist has told ITV News.
The Uruguayan striker is facing a lengthy ban after he appeared to bite Italy defender Georgio Chiellini - the third time he has committed the offence.
Dan Abrahams - who has worked with footballers at clubs including West Ham United, Charlton Athletic and Tottenham Hotspur - admitted he has a certain amount of sympathy for Suarez and his inability to deal with his frustration.
However, the psychologist and author insists the striker needs the right treatment and people around him to help overcome the issues.
"We all get frustrated; its about how we deal with that frustration and unfortunately Luis Suarez's instinctive response to that emotion is a physical response," Mr Abrahams said.
The psychologist said instead of simply sitting down and talking, the 27-year-old needs to experience different responses to frustration to help him finally overcome his issues.
"Luis Suarez needs to be put into training ground situations, perhaps in small-sided games, that make him frustrated so he can learn how to respond differently and be able to carry on with the tasks and processes within his responsibilities."
The Liverpool striker has twice been suspended for biting an opponent.
He was banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic during a Premier League game in April 2013.
During his time with Ajax, he was handed a seven-match ban for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal in 2010.
Asked whether a ban is the right punishment after its previous failure in deterring Suarez, Abrahams said: "He definitely needs to be banned. It might not have worked previously but his actions are unacceptable - he blatantly broke the rules.
"He needs the right people around him to help him deal with his issues. I hope he continues to strive to manage and control his anger."
Read: Handballs, bites and Evra - Luis Suarez's past controversies