|
|
Liverpool legend Ian Rush believes Fernando Torres will unleash his frustrations on Benfica
Reds talisman ready to prove a few points...
8 Apr 2010 09:40:00
By Zack Wilson
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres will be fired up for Thursday evening's Europa League quarter-final second leg tie with Benfica, according to former Reds striker Ian Rush.
The Spaniard was substituted by Rafael Benitez early in the second half of Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Birmingham city on Sunday, to the bemusement of many observers not least, it appeared, Reds skipper Steven Gerrard.
Torres was also on the receiving end of some tough tackling from the Portuguese side's defenders in the first leg and Rush believes that 'El Nino'will be wanting to prove a few points at Anfield.
"I don't think Torres will need much motivating ahead of the second leg against Benfica," Rush told The Liverpool Echo.
"He got some rough treatment in the first leg and it was clear their centre-backs, who were both booked for fouling Torres, set out to kick him.
"I got kicked hundreds of time in my career and as a striker it just makes you more determined to stick the ball in the net.
"That's why as a striker you never want to come off in those kind of games. You want to be out there for the full 90 minutes because if you have been kicked and go off then the defender believes he's won and has done his job."
Rush does feel that it is vital for Liverpool's chances that Torres manages to stay on the park for 90 minutes as the Reds look to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit.
"I hope Torres stays on for 90 minutes on Thursday and makes Benfica pay for the way he was treated in the first leg," the Welshman added.
"If we get at them from the start then I'm confident we will progress to the semi-finals. I think the pace of the English game will be too much for them.
"But if we sit back and wait for something to happen like we did at Birmingham then we will be in trouble."
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Spaniard was substituted by Rafael Benitez early in the second half of Liverpool's 1-1 draw at Birmingham city on Sunday, to the bemusement of many observers not least, it appeared, Reds skipper Steven Gerrard.
Torres was also on the receiving end of some tough tackling from the Portuguese side's defenders in the first leg and Rush believes that 'El Nino'will be wanting to prove a few points at Anfield.
"I don't think Torres will need much motivating ahead of the second leg against Benfica," Rush told The Liverpool Echo.
"He got some rough treatment in the first leg and it was clear their centre-backs, who were both booked for fouling Torres, set out to kick him.
"I got kicked hundreds of time in my career and as a striker it just makes you more determined to stick the ball in the net.
"That's why as a striker you never want to come off in those kind of games. You want to be out there for the full 90 minutes because if you have been kicked and go off then the defender believes he's won and has done his job."
Rush does feel that it is vital for Liverpool's chances that Torres manages to stay on the park for 90 minutes as the Reds look to overturn a 2-1 first leg deficit.
"I hope Torres stays on for 90 minutes on Thursday and makes Benfica pay for the way he was treated in the first leg," the Welshman added.
"If we get at them from the start then I'm confident we will progress to the semi-finals. I think the pace of the English game will be too much for them.
"But if we sit back and wait for something to happen like we did at Birmingham then we will be in trouble."
Become a fan of Goal.com UK's Facebook fan page for all the latest news and insight into everything related to the beautiful game!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Goal.com Poll
Poll runs from 3 Jun 2012 to 8 Apr 2010
Poll runs from 3 Jun 2012 to 8 Apr 2010
Who will progress to the Europa League semi-finals - Liverpool or Benfica?
Liverpool - by a clear margin on aggregate
48.97%
Liverpool - but only on away goals
23.71%
Benfica - but only on away goals
13.92%
Benfica - by a clear margin on aggregate
13.4%
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
