• Champions League

Torres to play at Old Trafford

ESPN staff
April 11, 2011
Carlo Ancelotti will keep his faith with Fernando Torres © PA Photos
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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Fernando Torres will play against Manchester United, but refused to reveal whether the striker would start their Champions League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford.

The pressure is growing on the Spaniard, who is yet to score his first Chelsea goal despite squandering a host of chances in Chelsea's 1-0 over Wigan on Saturday.

With Chelsea out of the FA Cup and trailing United by 11 points in the league, the Blues must travel to Old Trafford in a bid to salvage their only hope of silverware for the season.

Ancelotti confirmed that Torres would play a part in their must-win game, but insisted he would not demand goals from his £50 million striker.

"I'm not interested in a goal for Fernando," Ancelotti said. "I'm interested in Chelsea winning this game. If he scores it's good for him and for Chelsea, but it's just important to win here. He will play tomorrow."

However, when asked whether Torres would start, Ancelotti replied, "I don't know this".

Michael Essien believes Torres will score regularly as soon as he opens his Chelsea account.

"Nando is one of the best strikers in the world, in Europe, at this moment," he said. "When he starts scoring, all the noise about him will stop. It's just a matter of time.

"Coming into a new club, he needs to settle. The players and the club have no doubts about him. We know he's going to deliver."

He added: "To be honest, we're not concerned. We know it's going to come. He's been working very hard and has everyone's support. We just have to be patient. He'll start scoring for us in time."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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