Benitez hails fiery Torres
LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez hailed Fernando Torres as "on fire" after the Spanish striker hit his second successive Anfield hat-trick to lift his club into fourth spot in the Premier League table.
Torres, who now has 24 goals since his 21-million-pound arrival before the start of this season, sentenced West Ham to its second 4-0 loss in four days after a sizzling performance by Benitez's side.
The Liverpool manager believes Torres is in the best form of his life after scoring six times in his last two Anfield appearances.
"He is on fire at the moment," said Benitez, who revealed he was thinking of bringing Torres off moments before he clinched his third hat-trick for the club.
"I was actually talking with Peter Crouch and told him to be ready in a few minutes. Maybe Torres was inspired."
Benitez also let slip that he had almost decided against playing Torres after the player had complained of feeling unwell on ther eve of the match.
"He had a small problem with sickness this morning," said the manager. "I thought about resting him but he was OK."
Benitez is confident Liverpool can remain in fourth spot for the remaining 10 games of the Premier League season.
Liverpool is level on points with archrival Everton, which it entertains on March 30, but is above by virtue of a superior goal difference.
"We started the season really well, but at this crucial period of the season we are playing with confidence," added Benitez.
AFP
(China Daily 03/07/2008 page24)
