Torres: Benitez isn’t defensive

Atletico Madrid forward Fernando Torres has supported his former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez, denying the Real Madrid Coach is defensive.

Benitez was criticised for appearing to sit on a one-goal lead during Sunday’s Madrid derby but Torres called on Los Blancos to give the trainer time.

“I know him quite well. We were together almost four years on two different teams,” Torres recalled, AS reports.

“He’s not a defensive Coach. If they let him work they’ll see very good results.

“We felt we dropped two points [in the derby]. It’s also true that every time you attack with more players you expose yourself to the counter.

“I don’t know if the last 10 minutes was good or bad. We had more desire to win, more enthusiasm, more chances, but we have to look at it as a point gained.

“I think what Atletico did in the second half should be admired and it wasn’t to do with Madrid. They were forced back by Atletico.

“Why didn’t I take the penalty? It’s not up to me. I would have been delighted to take it and score my 100th Atletico goal. It would have been an unbeatable occasion.

“It’s no secret that I want to stay at Atletico. When we sit down to negotiate [an extension to his contract which expires in 2016] if the club feels the same way it will be easy.”

Tags Fernando Torres Rafa Benitez
La Liga - Club News