Mourinho wants his Chelsea side to adapt to Fernando Torres’ strengths…
Returning Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is willing to adapt his side to Fernando Torres’ qualities, reports Sky Sports.
The Spanish 29-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2011, but has so far failed to justify his British transfer record £50m fee.
Although he scored 22 goals in all competitions last term, he only managed eight in the league, and many have suggested that returning West Brom loanee Romelu Lukaku could be given a chance as first choice striker.
Mourinho though, has suggested that his team needs to learn to play to the Spaniard’s strengths, indicating that Torres will be Chelsea’s starting forward this term.
“I think some of the work we do with the team in terms of attack suits his qualities. We are here to support him.
“Usually when he is clear, he scores that goal – but he has missed (recently). We know that this is Torres’ game,” said the Portuguese boss.
“We want the team not to learn how to play with him, but to improve how to play with him. He is working very hard in training, we are happy with him.”
Torres has visibly lacked confidence ever since his mega-money move from Anfield, and it’s hard to imagine that the striker we see now was once regarded by many as the best in the world. Mourinho is adamant though that it is the team’s duty to supply the striker properly, indicating perhaps that the Chelsea team must also take some responsibility for Torres’ failings.
“His game is impossible to remodel. But we want to adapt the team and teach the team how to use his best qualities.
“He is not a kid anymore. He is at an age where it is difficult to change his play. He is what he is and he is very good with the qualities he’s got. So we need to learn and support his game.”
Torres relishes running onto balls played into the channels, and finding space in the box. His hold-up play has been poor in the past two seasons, and his enigmatic boss clearly thinks that the Spaniard’s weaknesses are irreparable.
Interestingly, Mourinho believes it his team’s responsibility to maximise Torres’ ability, and fans will be eager to see whether the once great Spaniard can re-find some of his old form.
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