• Premier League

Torres still smarting at Xabi sale

Soccernet staff
April 7, 2010
Fernando Torres has been frustrated by events at Anfield this season © Getty Images
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Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has blamed the failure of the club to challenge for the Premier League title this season on injuries and the sale of important players over the summer.

Torres has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer after a campaign that could see Liverpool miss out on the Champions League next year and has revealed his disillusionment at the situation.

The sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for a reported £30 million has been widely criticised as the Reds' difficult campaign has unfolded, with his £20 million replacement Alberto Aquilani struggling for fitness all season, and Torres admitted a spate of summer departures played its part.

"There have been various important factors, like the fact that we were so far off the top of the table so quickly," Torres said. "That killed us psychologically and has stopped us changing the situation. After that, injuries hit us pretty hard and we have felt that a lot.

"After a good season last year, circumstances dictated we had to sell players and everything got messed up. The sale of Alvaro Arbeloa, Sami Hyypia and Xabi Alonso was an important loss. Alvaro was a player who did a vital job for us and his flexibility was a huge bonus.

"Sami may not have played every week but he was a 10 out of 10 on and off the pitch, bringing equilibrium to the ground and having everyone's admiration.

"And Xabi? Players like Xabi are very rare. He was the team's engine and you know that when you change an engine, it takes time to work again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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