It seems as though Chelsea striker Fernando Torres has finally recovered his confidence. Well, sorta. He at least has the chutzpah to start questioning his role at Stamford Bridge. In fact, his recent comments may leave fans questioning how much of a future Torres has with the Blues.
The Spaniard was an unused substitute in Chelsea’ FA Cup final victory over Liverpool and only got 7 minutes of normal time action against Bayern Munich in the Champions League final. It’s clear, that despite spending £50m on him, Chelsea don’t view him as their main man. Indeed, it’s difficult to see who Chelsea (or, should I say Roman Abramovich) do value in this squad. Didier Drogba has scored more than a few important goals in his time, though it looks as though he’ll be shipped out in the summer. Roberto Di Matteo has coached the Blues onward to FA Cup and Champions League victories, but probably wont keep his job.
Regardless, it seems as though Torres won’t put up with this kind of apathetic attitude. According to ESPN he ‘expected to start’ the Champions League final and was disappointed to have such limited game time. Speaking to GuillemBalague.com he said:
“It’s contradictory because I feel like I’m at a peak moment in my career, with more desire and hunger than I’ve felt in a long time… but I’ve had to spend the final on the bench. It was a huge disappointment when I saw the line-up, perhaps the biggest in my life.
“This season I have felt things that I never had before. I’ve felt like they treated me in a way that I didn’t expect, not in the way that was spoken of when they signed me. I need the club to tell me what is going to happen and what sort of role I will have within the team, what my duties are, what the club expects of me. And then judge whether it is worth it.”
He also had plenty of kind words for the fans and doesn’t seem to be agitating for a move (more for a prominent position within the squad) but it’s clear he’s unhappy with his situation. It’s hard to blame him, but it’s equally difficult to argue with the decision making process of Roberto Di Matteo. Aside from a few moments this season Fernando Torres has looked remarkably shy of confidence and has completely lacked prowess in front of goal.
You have to earn a place in the Champions League final and I can’t say that Torres has done so. With Chelsea likely to buy more forwards this summer I’m not sure that the Spaniard will be offered more opportunities in the future.
Perhaps he needs to accept his role in the squad or move on. He can either bide his time and start taking opportunities when they’re given to him or look to move on. The harsh truth is that Chelsea can’t afford a £50m passenger.
What’s your take? Should Torres be considering his future?
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