Rafael Benitez, previously renowned for his rotation policy, has indicated that Fernando Torres will remain one of his “untouchables” despite the goals drying up for the Spain striker. The Liverpool manager, who was left frustrated by Saturday’s goalless draw against Stoke City at Anfield, argued that the 24-year-old will be better off playing his way back to full sharpness rather than resting.
Torres, who scored 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, has scored only once in seven matches this season and missed the recent World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring injury. His reduced potency has been exacerbated by Robbie Keane’s failure to score in his first eight appearances for the club, but while the Ireland forward was left out the starting lineup for last week’s 2-1 win away to Marseilles in the Champions League, Benitez disagreed that Torres needs a rest from big games. A trip across Stanley Park to face Everton on Saturday follows tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie at home to Crewe Alexandra.
“They had some days off and if he [Torres] goes with the national team you cannot control this situation,” Benitez said. “We need all the players and we try to give one or two days off to some of them. Fernando has been injured, so it’s not the same situation. Álvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina came back late [from Euro 2008], but they didn’t have injuries, so you can work with them.
“Every player coming back from a tournament like this, one month later they will need time [to regain match sharpness]. Physically he needs to improve, but against Stoke it wasn’t a physical problem. It was difficult because he had less space. They were on top of him all the time.”
Albert Riera suggested that it is premature to judge Liverpool and has backed his international colleague to reproduce his best form soon. “I’ve known Fernando for a long time,” the winger said. “I’m sure there will be a connection because we know each other very well. Every player has periods when they don’t score – but they [Torres and Keane] are fantastic players. The only problem is that the shots aren’t going in, but I’m sure they will score a lot of goals.
“It’s still very early in the Premier League. It’s a long season and we must be patient. I’m sure we will get better, but the most important thing is how we finish.”
Torres, who scored 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, has scored only once in seven matches this season and missed the recent World Cup qualifiers with a hamstring injury. His reduced potency has been exacerbated by Robbie Keane’s failure to score in his first eight appearances for the club, but while the Ireland forward was left out the starting lineup for last week’s 2-1 win away to Marseilles in the Champions League, Benitez disagreed that Torres needs a rest from big games. A trip across Stanley Park to face Everton on Saturday follows tomorrow’s Carling Cup tie at home to Crewe Alexandra.
“They had some days off and if he [Torres] goes with the national team you cannot control this situation,” Benitez said. “We need all the players and we try to give one or two days off to some of them. Fernando has been injured, so it’s not the same situation. Álvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso and Jose Reina came back late [from Euro 2008], but they didn’t have injuries, so you can work with them.
“Every player coming back from a tournament like this, one month later they will need time [to regain match sharpness]. Physically he needs to improve, but against Stoke it wasn’t a physical problem. It was difficult because he had less space. They were on top of him all the time.”
Albert Riera suggested that it is premature to judge Liverpool and has backed his international colleague to reproduce his best form soon. “I’ve known Fernando for a long time,” the winger said. “I’m sure there will be a connection because we know each other very well. Every player has periods when they don’t score – but they [Torres and Keane] are fantastic players. The only problem is that the shots aren’t going in, but I’m sure they will score a lot of goals.
“It’s still very early in the Premier League. It’s a long season and we must be patient. I’m sure we will get better, but the most important thing is how we finish.”
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