Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has been told to train alone by manager Brendan Rodgers, who says the player has shown "total disrespect" for the club.
.
Rodgers also rejected the Uruguay international's claim he was promised a transfer this summer if Liverpool did not qualify for the Champions League.
.
Suarez, 26, plans to submit a transfer request this week if a move is blocked.
.
"There were no promises made - categorically none - and no promises broken," insisted Rodgers.
.
"The club and his representatives had several conversations and he knew exactly where he was at.
.
"There has been total disrespect of the club - a club that has given him everything.
.
"Obviously the remarks I've read are bitterly disappointing - but my job is bigger than that."
.
Sources close to the Anfield club insist the decision to make Suarez train away from the first team was made before his outspoken interview, which broke on Tuesday, and is down to the player's lacklustre performances in recent friendly matches.
.
Rodgers added: "I will take strong, decisive action, absolutely. I think Luis knows the support he's had at the football club and that's something that's been unswerving throughout the whole of last season.
.
"My job is to fight and protect the club. The
conversations I've had with him he knows I've had, and they will remain private."
.
Arsenal have had two bids rejected by the Reds, the latest of which was a pound over £40m and designed to trigger a release clause in Suarez's contract.
.
However, Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor explained there is no clause in the player's deal that means Liverpool have to sell him if a club offers more than £40m.
.
"If there is a minimum offer of £40m then the parties will discuss things but it does not say the club has to sell," said Taylor.
.
"There is a 'good faith' clause in relation to serious discussions, but I can't say it is a cast-iron buy-out clause."
Wow! That is surely not a good sign for the player's Liverpool career...Luis Suarez just need to calm down and think straight! He acts tensed....