Fernando Torres admits Liverpool plan surprised Chelsea

Jim van Wijk,Pa
Monday 07 February 2011 12:41 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Fernando Torres admits his old club Liverpool caught Chelsea by surprise on his debut yesterday.

But Torres has vowed the Blues will still have a say in the Barclays Premier League title race.

The £50million striker's much-hyped first appearance in a blue shirt failed to live up to expectations at Stamford Bridge, where Torres was eventually replaced after 66 minutes as the Reds went on to win 1-0 through a goal from Raul Meireles.

Liverpool, who continue to improve under Kenny Dalglish following a fourth successive league victory, deployed three central defenders which limited the impact of Torres and Didier Drogba, who were supported by Nicolas Anelka.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has vowed to make the new system work, and Torres maintains the Blues will not be caught out again.

"It was very difficult, Liverpool played a good game, with three at the back," Torres told Chelsea TV.

"We were not expecting that and maybe they took advantage of that.

"I think the fair result was the draw, it was unfair to lose that game, but now we are looking forwards to the next game and will keep fighting until the end.

"There are a lot of points still to play (for)."

Apart from an early chance when he latched onto a stray pass from Maxi Rodriguez and then fired his 20-yard effort over the bar, and a close-range effort blocked by Jamie Carragher, Torres rarely troubled the Liverpool back-line.

The travelling supporters barracked their former Kop idol at every opportunity, and took great delight in his substitution - chanting "You should have stayed at a big club" when he sat down in the Chelsea dugout.

Torres preferred to look on the positive welcome he received from the Stamford Bridge faithful.

"Obviously everyone wants to win, especially if it is their first game at home, but I will still have very good memories about my reception here and want to thank all of the Chelsea fans for that nice reception," he said.

"The result was not the best, but we have to keep going and fighting until the end."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in