Liverpool boss defends Fernando Torres
Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has leapt to the defence of Fernando Torres, with the 2010 FIFA World Cup winner suffering from a poor run of form.
The striker has failed to produce the standard of play required of an international-calibre forward so far this season. He has scored only once this season and passed up a terrific chance to score in the second half of the goalless draw with Utrecht in the
UEFA Europa League.
Despite apparently losing his shooting boots, Torres has been defended by his manager, who told reporters that the Spaniard’s goal drought was not due to any lack of effort.
'After elusive goal'
Hodgson said that: "We know he can do more, we expect more, he expects more. But it's early in the season and we've got to be patient. You can't fault his work-rate at the moment, he's just after that elusive goal."
Liverpool were pegged back into their own half for much of the clash with Utrecht and had a strong display by Spain international Pepe Reina to thank for keeping a clean sheet. Raul Meireles was also forced into making a goal-line clearance. Despite failing
to pick up the victory, Liverpool are still at the top of their group.
Hodgson was pleased to pick up a point against a side which has not lost at home all season. He said that: "I thought it was a good point. We knew it was going to be a tough game. It wasn't a dull 0-0. Utrecht did well. Utrecht were very committed. We saw
a good team. They came into this game with enormous confidence. We will take a good point back to Liverpool."
The club have failed to win any of their last four matches, but will bid to stop the rot when they take on Blackpool in the English Premier League on Sunday.
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