If BR still can deliver without Suarez (the loss of Suarez being compensated by >100 mil spending), then it proves he is indeed a good manager that can manage team on top.
A good manager always (without money to spend, then another story) can deliver despite change of personnel.
There is no contradiction on the claim of Suarez make BR good. As if BR is really good, he should be able to deliver as well (people may not expect to be second again, but not as poor as current display is).
So far the claim Suarez make BR look good still rather valid unless proven otherwise, by then this claim should be retracted.
Regarding BR played into strength of Suarez, it is the manager job that being paid few mil annual wages to deliver result and set right the team.
If it clicked, both deserved applaud.
If doesn't, then it is manager responsibility to get it right.
The different between average manager and top manager, top manager like
AF's, his team changed so many personnel, from Cantona, Beckham, Keane, Ronaldo, Rooney, MU still able to win the league and stay on top.
Same with AW, consistent at top 4, despite changing many players around.
Same with Mourinho, managing different players, different team, still winning or stay near on top.
You don't see their team crumbling down straight away (yes, performance may drop down but not as poor as being battled by relegation threaten team), from heaven to hell just because loss of one player, even though he is world class. Unless there is no money to spend upon, then yes, it could send the team crumbling down, without any property replacement, which is not the case for Liv after spending >100 mil.
Once upon a time, there's this Liverpool team with Suarez in the team. They finished 2nd in that season.
The next season after, Suarez was sold and bought Dejan Lovren. All the other players are retained. Liverpool is currently struggling.
It must be Dejan Lovren.