Torres will come good, insists Ancelotti

Dalglish refuses to revel in revenge over striker.

LONDON: Carlo Ancelotti insists Fernando Torres will quickly live up to his £50-million price tag despite the Chelsea striker’s dismal debut in a 1-0 defeat against his former club Liverpool.

Torres looked totally out of sorts as Liverpool enjoyed a sweet moment of revenge over their former idol just seven days after his controversial British record transfer to Stamford Bridge.

An underwhelming debut

The Spain forward was substituted to ironic cheers from Liverpool’s fans after 66 minutes on Sunday and he could have few complaints following one of the most underwhelming debuts imaginable. Torres failed to gel with strike-partner Didier Drogba and from the moment he squandered his only sight of goal with a woeful finish in the second minute, he looked just as lacklustre as he has for much of the season at Liverpool.

Yet Ancelotti is adamant his new striker had done as much as could be expected after just three days training and is confident Torres will get back in the groove.

“Torres did a good job,” said Ancelotti. “I took him out because it was a very busy week. I don’t think it was a mistake to start him because he played a good game. He has experience and confidence.

“He didn’t show problems or nerves before the game. He was excited to play. We have to give him time to adjust to the shape. He will do it quickly.”

Dalglish focuses on team not Torres

Meanwhile, Kenny Dalglish refused to revel in revenge over Fernando Torres as Liverpool spoiled the Chelsea striker’s debut with win.

The Reds boss could easily have gloried in the way his tactical game plan frustrated Torres. But instead Dalglish insisted his team were just focused on continuing their recent resurgence rather than stopping Torres.

“Whatever someone else wants to do with their life is entirely their choice,” said Dalglish. “I’m not here to talk any somebody else’s players. I’ve always said the most important people to me are the people at Liverpool.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 8^th, 2011.