THE BIT PART STRIKER
FERNANDO TORRES has European Championships and Champions League winners’ medals, plus the Golden Boot, in his trophy cabinet. But they won’t be enough to guarantee him a starting place in Chelsea’s line-up next season.
Just when the man who was in danger of being dubbed a £50million flop last season thought all his problems were behind him, new manager Roberto Di Matteo brought the Spaniard back to earth with a warning that he still faces a fight to start for Chelsea in next month’s curtain-raiser at Wigan.
And what’s more, he may have to battle The Incredible Hulk for a place. After spelling out precisely what Torres has to do now, Di Matteo didn’t rule out a move for Porto’s Hulk, the highly-rated Brazilian striker, though the reported £35m price tag will determine whether that comes off or not.
But the manager did reveal that he manager delivered the warning that Torres may not be all that happy to be at Chelsea.
“We have three strikers in the squad at the moment and I wouldn’t sit here and say who will play. There’s competition and that is healthy.
“They will all have to fight for their position, and whoever is in the best form and is the best for the team will be playing.
“It is a team sport to support everybody else in the team.”
Torres has vowed to prove himself once and for all at Stamford Bridge. He admitted: “I have to rest and make sure I am ready for next season, which I am sure will be full of great moments.”
No matter what happens with Torres, the new boss will be sticking by the Chelsea old guard, who looked under threat under previous manager Andre Villas-Boas.
Di Matteo dismissed speculation that Frank Lampard could be on his way to LA Galaxy and also suggested that John Terry will again be Chelsea’s undisputed leader on the pitch.
“They will be here next season for sure. It is not a question of overhauling the squad; it is a question of finding the right players to integrate into the team,” he said.
Di Matteo declined to discuss Lampard’s contract extension talks but hinted the midfielder may be used in a deeper role next season.
“Frank is very fit and can play for many years to come,” he said.
“He was very influential playing a little deeper towards the end of last season and I don’t see any problems with him going on.”
In the meantime, Di Matteo will prepare his players for a fierce battle to retain their Champions League crown.
“It is going to be very difficult for sure,” he added. “It has never been achieved before but we will give it our best shot.”