Torres needs better service in order to shine at Chelsea, insists Benitez

26 Nov 2012 09:37:00

The interim boss, who managed the striker for three years at Liverpool, has pointed the finger at the Spaniard's team-mates as reason for a reduced goals return at Stamford Bridge

New Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez believes a lack of suitable service from team-mates is restricting Fernando Torres from rediscovering his best form.

Benitez originally brought the striker to the Premier League when he signed him from Atletico Madrid for a fee of around £20 million in 2007, with Torres scoring 72 goals in 116 appearances under his guidance at Liverpool.

And the Spaniard has no doubts of Torres’ ability to recapture his Reds form, and has highlighted the need for his team-mates to help the striker’s confidence return.

"You could see he was trying very hard," Benitez told reporters after Torres failed to hit the target during the 0-0 draw with Manchester City on Sunday.

"But I think the team has to help Fernando and create more chances, and he will score goals. You cannot expect a striker scoring just on his own, so we have to create more and better chances for him with the players we have.

"Obviously, I’m not happy with just one shot on target, but the main thing is to create chances and go close."

The goalless draw at Stamford Bridge was a non-event in terms of action but, after a demoralising Champions League defeat that saw the European champions on the brink of elimination and manager Roberto Di Matteo being handed the sack, Benitez found positives from the stalemate.

"The team weren't performing at their level in the last games and lost a bit of confidence from the Champions League game," Benitez continued. "But this was a clean sheet after so many games. You have some positives.

"I'm not 100 per cent satisfied because I want to win. But there aren’t too many teams better than City in the Premier League."

The draw leaves Chelsea sitting fourth in the table, five points behind league-leaders Manchester United.

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