Di Matteo backs Torres in face of criticism from former Chelsea boss Gullit
Saturday 22 September 2012
Roberto Di Matteo has defended Fernando Torres after former Chelsea manager Ruud Gullit - who brought Di Matteo to Stamford Bridge in the first place - claimed the Spain international was not good enough for the club, the Daily Telegraph has reported.
Gullit was speaking after Chelsea’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Juventus, the champions of Italy. The former Netherlands international criticised Torres for having only one shot on goal in the 90 minutes, claiming it was as if Chelsea were playing with 10 men rather than the full compliment.
Di Matteo however insisted that he and the rest of the club were happy with the contribution of Torres. He said: “Even when he doesn’t score he either provides or works hard for the team. There are no issues for us.”
The Telegraph notes that Torres is one of only two senior strikers currently at Chelsea - and the other, Daniel Sturridge, is injured and will miss the weekend’s fixture against Stoke. Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, was sent on loan to West Bromwich Albion.
Gullit was appointed Chelsea manager in May 1996, after Glenn Hoddle departed to take the England job post-Euro 96. Di Matteo moved to the club in August that year, and scored the opening goal in the 1997 FA Cup final that was, for 12 years, the fastest goal scored in the history of the match.
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