Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has revealed that he only decided to start Fernando Torres against Manchester United when travelling to Anfield.
The Reds' ace striker had only taken part in two light training sessions in the build-up to the crucial match after being sidelined with a groin problem.
The Reds chief, who was without injured captain Steven Gerrard, said: "I talked with Fernando on the coach, and that was when I was really convinced that he could play.
"In the morning I had decided that he would be involved, but I needed convincing he could start rather than just be a substitute.
"Playing Fernando was a difficult decision. He was not training, the same as Steven Gerrard.
"But after talking with him we decided it was better to start the game with him.
"You could see he was not 100 per cent fit, but sometimes 80% of Fernando can make a difference.
"We had to be very careful with him, that is why we took him off near the end.
"You have to take care of him. But we were waiting for that final pass and when it came we knew he would score."
No comments :
Post a Comment