Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has admitted that out-of-form striker Fernando Torres, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in January 2011 for a record £50 million fee, has a “psychological problem”.
The former goal-scoring talisman has netted just four goals for the Blues in all competitions this season, and a total of five since arriving in west London at the beginning of the last calendar year.
Di Matteo on Fernando Torres
“He has a psychological problem and only Fernando can unlock it,” admitted Di Matteo.
“If he needs me, I am always here but it is obvious the change must come from him.
“He must not think about how much he cost the club.
“He must concentrate only on playing and not about scoring, or providing an assist or making a great play every time he touches the ball.
“He should not think about scoring goals, only about playing simple football. The rest will take care of itself.”
Di Matteo’s comments may just be what Torres’ needed in order to regain his confidence, and ultimately his goal-scoring form.
That being said, Di Matteo’s revelation indirectly implies that Torres will not be in Chelsea’s starting XI for Wednesday UEFA Champions League clash versus Napoli at Stamford Bridge.
Unsurprisingly, Didier Drogba, who has scored in two of his last three league appearances, is the favorite to start on Wednesday against Napoli.
Chelsea’s danger man will undoubtedly be Spanish winger Juan Mata, who has 14 goals and 14 assists to his name for club and country in 2011-12, but don’t rule out Torres stealing the spotlight as a super sub. Well, maybe you should rule that out just to be safe.
Now then, Chelsea enter Wednesday’s clash down 3-1 on aggregate, meaning that the Blues must win by at least two goals, while conceding one goal at most.
If Chelsea concede twice, they will need to win by three goals in order to reach the quarter-finals.
When it’s all said and done, Napoli will advance to the quarter-finals, turning Di Matteo’s attention solely to the Premier League and FA Cup.
Di Matteo’s Future at Stamford Bridge
I think that the Italian can keep his job only if he leads Chelsea to a top four finish, guaranteeing UEFA Champions League football in 2012-13, while finding a way to avoid elimination tomorrow night against Napoli at Stamford Bridge.
Furthermore, winning the FA Cup surely wouldn’t hurt either. With City, United and Arsenal already eliminated from the competition, Chelsea — who are scheduled to face Leicester City in the quarter-finals on March 18 — may just fancy their chances of winning the FA Trophy.
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