‘I don’t ask my strikers to score goals’ – Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti defends Fernando Torres’ form

EPL : Fernando Torres, Chelsea v Liverpool (Getty Images)

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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has come out in defence of £50 million signing Fernando Torres, insisting that he does not have to return the club’s investment in goals.

The Spaniard completed a British transfer record move to Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, but has been unable to get his name on the scoresheet since his move to west London.

But the Italian believes that he is happy with his forwards – including Torres – as long as they “play for the team”.

In contrast, another January signing, David Luiz, has earned the praise of critics for putting in strong performances since his switch from Benfica.

“We don’t have to compare them. Torres didn’t score but I don’t ask my strikers to score,” Ancelotti said, according to The Sun.

“I ask them to play for the team. Torres did a very good job with that. People judge him on the goals he scored but I have to look at different things about his performance.

“He worked for the team, put pressure on the defenders, moved well in front and worked hard.

“That’s enough for me. Ask him, not me, if it will affect him but I don’t think it will. I’m not asking him to score.”