Benitez shifts Torres focus

Rafael Benitez has played down his influence on Fernando Torres after the Chelsea striker netted against Sunderland and Nordsjaelland.

Spain international Torres had failed to find the target in six consecutive games before he tallied twice in the Champions League on Wednesday.

He then helped to lead Chelsea past Sunderland as interim manager Benitez secured his first English Premier League victory since taking over at Stamford Bridge last month.

Torres worked with his compatriot to great effect at Liverpool but the former Valencia coach has declined to take credit for the striker’s upturn in form, and said it is more important the forward has a strong relationship with his team-mates.

“As a manager I give advice to the players so that they can play better on the pitch,” Benitez told reporters.

“That’s one job for a manager, but for Torres and other players the important thing is how they relate to their team-mates.

“When Torres gets a good position and his team-mates create scoring chances, he can be better involved in them. The manager can communicate with the players, yes, but when a player is in good form it’s largely because of his team-mates.”

Benitez was speaking ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan, which Chelsea have qualified for as a result of their Champions League victory in May.

Chelsea will face Monterrey in the semi-finals of the competition after the Mexican club beat Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea on Sunday.

Al Ahly of Egypt and Corinthians of Brazil will contest the other semi.

“I’m happy to be back in Japan,” Benitez said.

“The Club World Cup is a very important competition and we want to win it. We’ll gain a lot of experience from appearing in this tournament so we want to take advantage of the chance.

“Everyone at the club and I feel the same way. If we have a chance to win a trophy that’s right in front of us, we’re going to try to win it. We’re fighting to win. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Champions League or the Capital One Cup. We have a chance right here and right now so we’re going to try to win it.”