• Premier League

Benitez backs Torres to bounce back

ESPN staff
November 27, 2012
Rafa Benitez: "I'll try to give him some confidence" © PA Photos
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Rafa Benitez believes restoring defensive stability at Chelsea will in turn hand misfiring striker Fernando Torres the opportunity to shine.

Torres has been under the microscope ever since Chelsea shelled out £50 million to bring him to the club from Liverpool. He has failed to consistently show the brilliance he demonstrated at Anfield and he has looked a shadow of his former self in recent weeks.

Benitez feels the Spain international needs an injection of confidence and is of the opinion that if his new side tighten up at the back it will automatically provide Torres with a platform to spring from.

"I'll try to give him some confidence, see what he can do in a different way and improve him - along with the rest of the team - physically," Benitez said ahead of Chelsea's clash with Fulham on Wednesday.

"If you are strong in defence, you can regain the ball easier, you will have more chances as you will have more possession, so that's the idea. We will try to improve the shape of the team but keep their quality and mobility.

"He's not exactly the same now because as he was at the maximum level at that time. He can come back and improve but the team has to help him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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