Liverpool FC Forum

[Dundalk]

Fernando Torres has offered a frank assessment of Liverpool's failings this season, admitting a spate of summer departures "messed everything up".

The sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for a reported £30million has been widely criticised as the Reds' difficult campaign has unfolded, with his £20million replacement Alberto Aquilani struggling for fitness all season to the frustration of manager Rafael Benitez.

Versatile Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa joined Alonso in moving to the Bernabeu, while the experienced Sami Hyypia was allowed to join German side Bayer Leverkusen.

The Reds were eliminated in the Champions League group stages for the first time in Benitez's tenure and face an uphill task to return to the competition at all next season, lying as they do four points adrift of fourth-placed Manchester City having played a game more.

And a shock 2-1 FA Cup third-round replay defeat to Reading at Anfield left the Europa League - a consolation after their Champions League exit, but one in which they must overturn a 2-1 deficit to Benfica in Thursday's quarter-final second leg to progress further - as their only remaining chance of a trophy.

Torres, quoted in various newspapers, said: "There have been various important factors, like being so far behind the top teams so quickly. That killed us psychologically.

"After that, injuries hit us hard and we have suffered a lot because of them.

"But after a good season last year, we needed certain reinforcements and we needed to keep the squad we had together. But circumstances dictated that we had to sell players and so everything got messed up.

"The sales of Arbeloa, Hyypia and Alonso were important losses.

"Alvaro always did a vital job for us, always played to a high level, and his flexibility was a huge bonus.

"Sami did not play every week but he was a 10 out of 10 on and off the pitch.

"And Xabi? Players like him are very rare. He was the team's engine, and you know that when you change an engine, it takes time to work again."

[tubby]

The owners need to take note. It's obvious they can't take this team forward and if they are not careful they will end up having to sell a club minus some star players.

[Dundalk]

43 in 43 at Anfield for Torres 

[leep33]

Two great finishes, hopefully he can stay fit for the rest of the season.

[damjan193]

This is why you dont replace Torres with N'Gog in a must - win games.I only watched the second half, but as far as I saw, he didnt do very well... at least not as much as we'd expect him to... but he still scored 2 goals.

[Fauxy]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6091671,00.html

Fernando Torres could be back in action for Liverpool next week following a visit to a specialist regarding his latest knee injury.



Well thank f.uck for that

[The Good Yank]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6091671,00.html

Fernando Torres could be back in action for Liverpool next week following a visit to a specialist regarding his latest knee injury.



Well thank f.uck for that

At this point, with fourth place gone, I'd save Torres for the Europa League matches and that is it.  He's got another long summer ahead of him.

[Fauxy]

Who cares about what he does in the summer... as long as he plays games for us, spain can feck off

[The Good Yank]

Who cares about what he does in the summer... as long as he plays games for us, spain can feck off

But it doesn't change the fact that he is going to the WC and will play in those games.  I'm not looking to keep him healthy for Spain, I'm looking towards next season.  Maybe limiting his wear and tear heading into the WC could see him through it uninjured and back in August fully fit and ready for the season.

[Fauxy]

Yes but even if 4th is still a distinct possibility we should still try and get as many wins as possible from the premier league. I would rather we won the remaining games we have and risk Torres rather than making sure he goes fresh into the world cup.

[tonyeh]

Fernando Torres could be back in action for Liverpool next week

[SARCASM]Mmmmm...there's a shock[/SARCASM]

[shawnk]

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6091671,00.html

Fernando Torres could be back in action for Liverpool next week following a visit to a specialist regarding his latest knee injury.



Well thank f.uck for that

At this point, with fourth place gone, I'd save Torres for the Europa League matches and that is it.  He's got another long summer ahead of him.

Exactly what I was thinking. Let him rest and there's no need to rush him back.

[stmichael]

I think he's klikely to sit out West Ham and start against Athletico, fitness permitting of course.

He has to be sure in himself, along with the medical staff that he's fit enough to play though. He'll be desperate to play against his former club where he's still idolised, especially as he missed the two games against them in the CL last season. He can't let his heart rule his head though. We don't want a Fabregas situation like happened against Barcelona a few weeks back. Just because he was desperate to play against his boyhood club he now could be a doubt for the World Cup as he was clearly only about 50% fit.

[Ben Patrick]

I dont believe he is even injured.

[RedSi35]

I dont believe he is even injured.

Don't think whether or not he is actually injured comes into play now.

Fact is Rafa has given up on 4th so i doubt we will see Torres play in the league again this season. He will no doubt start in the Europa semi final and in the final if we make it.

There is obviously something there with his fitness, has been all season, same with Gerrard. They have been rushed back because we have been a shower of sh*te and not allowed to fully recover.

Gerrard/Torres need a proper rest over the summer which they are not going to get.

Next season they will be in the same boat, niggly injuries that need nothing more than good old fashioned rest.