Hodgson defends Torres after mediocre display
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson defended Fernando Torres after the striker was criticized for his lacklustre performance against Birmingham on Sunday.
Hodgson's side only managed a goalless draw at Birmingham, and Liverpool had keeper Pepe Reina to thank for managing to secure a point at St. Andrew's.
Reina made several crucial saves to keep his team in the game, while Torres and Steven Gerrard failed to inspire Liverpool in attack.
The Spanish striker started his second Premier League game of the season on Sunday, and was criticized by former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp after the game.
"Of course you have to give the defenders credit but he's shown no appetite for the game. He has looked frustrated, sloppy and lethargic," Redknapp said of Torres' performance. "For 45 minutes he was terrible. He didn't get hold of the ball, he didn't chase."
Liverpool have only scored two league goals so far this season, and the drought has been attributed to Torres' lack of form. He has been the club's leading goalscorer in recent years, scoring 46 goals in 79 league appearances since joining in the summer of 2007.
Hodgson not worried
When confronted with the criticism, Hodgson said he did not agree with Redknapp's view that Torres looked uncommitted during the game.
"I don't share that opinion, he is working hard for the team," he said. "As we saw towards the end, he's a constant thorn in the sides of defenders."
Last week, Spain's national team coach Vicente del Bosque rested Torres in the friendly against Argentina, in response to Hodgson's pleas to let him get back into fighting shape. But even after that respite, Hodgson said the player has yet to see full fitness.
"We know he lacks match training. He missed matches at the end of last year and during the World Cup but I'm not at all concerned about Fernando Torres. He will get better and better."
Liverpool host Steaua Bucharest in Group K of the Europa League on Thursday.
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