Benitez reveals why Fernando Torres has struggled at Chelsea

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Rafa Benitez discussed Fernando Torres and his role at Chelsea.

“I think he can be good. I’m not sure he will be at the same level that he was when he was at Liverpool with us. But he’s improving his fitness. He has been working so hard in the gym, and his pace is nearly there. He’s very strong. So he can beat defenders running, and now it’s just confidence.”

Just confidence. Heard that one before.

“He has to find the timing for his runs and the right movements, and he will be much better. How good? Can he be at the same level [as in the past]? I’m not sure. It depends on a proper preseason, training with the team, doing a lot of the things that he was doing this year. We’ll see how he feels at the beginning of next season.”

Fernando Torres has scored 22 goals – twice as many as he managed last season – in 63 matches for Chelsea in the 2012/13 season. Valuable goals, too. His strike vs Brentford in the FA Cup to force a replay, and his goals to open the scoring in the Europa League final, to name but two.