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AVB to Torres: I forgive you

Comment: 0 September 14th, 2011 by: admin

As far as Chelsea manager Andre Villas-boas is concerned, the rift between him and Fernando Torres has been bridged after the striker set up the two goals that won the Blues their first Champions League game.

According to the manager, much praise must be given for Torres’ ‘wise decision’ to set up the goals instead of attempt to score them.

‘I wasn’t worried,’ AVB said about Torres’ strategy.  ‘I’m very pleased with the effort of everybody and particularly the game was played – the passing and the fluency.’

The celebratory atmosphere came amidst a period of increasing tension for the club, with Torres yet to score a second goal since last season.

The Blues’ 2-0 victory Tuesday against Bayer Leverkusen saw the striker setting up the first goal by David Luiz on the 67^th minutes, and another for Mata during extra time.

AVB also revealed that the brewing issue regarding Torres’ ‘old and slow’ comment about the squad had been settled.

‘The investigation is over,’ he said.  ‘We had a chat.  Hopefully these things won’t arise again in the group but, if they do, the manager will deal with them.’

The Tuesday win has reportedly injected enough adrenaline for the club to look forward to the upcoming match against Premier League giants Manchester United this coming weekend.

‘Sunday is a different kind of challenge,’ said Villas-boas, describing their match against a team currently cruising on motivation as well as unquestionable force and dominance.

‘Motivation will be a key factor,’ reflected the manager.  ‘It’s about the capacity of players to transcend themselves.’

Chelsea’s next Champions League match pits them against hosts Valencia.

 

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