Roy Hodgson defends Torres and his team
Roy Hodgson, the Liverpool manager has once again backed his misfiring marksman Fernando Torres, after another disappointing performance in the Champions’ League against the Dutch side Utrecht. Liverpool were quite dull and hardly
produced any moments of inspiration in the 0-0 draw of Europa League’s group match.
In the first half there was an excellent chance for Torres to turn things around for him and his team, but could not make use of the opportunity.
Hodgson still stood by his front man and said that, Fernando Torres is a player capable of much better than that. But the fans and media would have to show some faith and patience. He added that form is something that comes and
goes, but there is no question on the class of Fernando. The former Fulham boss said that even Torres is not very happy with what he has been doing on the pitch, and he also knows that is he is capable of much better showing.
Hodgson said: "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 went into the game as firm favourites, but did not have the best of form behind them. Utrecht is a team hardly anyone outside Netherlands knows about. But the minnows were certainly the ones doing all the talking on the
pitch. It was down to an inspired performance from Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina who produced some brilliant saves to keep the game level. Raul Meireles also came to the rescue with a goal line clearance for the reds when Reina was beaten.
The Liverpool boss however tried to take all the positives he could gather from the disappointing draw. The reds boss said that a draw at Stadion Galgenwaard was not such a bad result, and said that the result still keeps Liverpool
on top of their table in Group K.
"I thought it was a good point," said Hodgson. "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."
It was not just the draw in Netherlands that caused the fans and media to come hard at Liverpool. The Reds have not been able to win a single match in last 4 games in all competitions, which includes a 3-2 loss against Manchester
United, elimination from Carling Cup and drop of points in the Premier League.
Hodgson added: "I think people are piling expectations on the club which are unrealistic anyway, so the last thing I am going to do is pile on even further unrealistic expectations.
"If you're not satisfied with being top of the group, you're never going to be satisfied. We have a good home win against Steaua Bucharest and a good draw here in Utrecht.”
Going back to Torres, Hodgson remained positive and said that he should be given more time. Commenting on his 2nd striker Dirk Kuyt, the manager said that he has just made his way back in the team after an injury and
looked good. The boss went on to say that if the team could have taken their chances it could have been an altogether different story.
"Fernando [Torres] is still battling to find his very best form, Dirk Kuyt is coming back from his shoulder injury, but I was very satisfied with everyone's performance tonight. Unfortunately the one or two problems we did get
into we created ourselves with individual errors."
In Premier League, Liverpool have got just 6 points from 6 games, and now are in the unfamiliar 16th spot on the table. Their next game in the league is against Blackpool and Hodgson’s team would have to come up with
an inspired performance to win back the fans and get the unforgiving British media off their back.
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