Torres played through the pain barrier

Liverpool hot-shot striker Fernando Torres has admitted that he played through the pain barrier in the Reds 2-0 Premiership victory over bitter rivals Manchester United.

"I wasn't really at my best. We knew before the game I couldn't play to 100 per cent because I had some pain in some actions, but in games like this the pain doesn't matter," said Torres to the official site.

"I feel a bit of pain when I shoot across so I could only shoot towards the near post - it was the only thing I could do!"

"I am really happy for the fans and the players and we will enjoy this," said Torres.

"We are in the race again. We knew before the game that we had to win and we did it. Now we have a bit of confidence but we have to keep it going on Wednesday in the Carling Cup against Arsenal.

"Then we have to be focused for Fulham. But we feel like a strong team again because we're working all together like in the past.

"We will see what happens and then look at things at the end."

Reds boss Rafael Benitez confirmed Torres was not 100% fit, and the decision to play him was made on the coach traveling towards the stadium.

“I got Fernando’s opinion on the coach and, after talking with the staff, we decided he would play," said Rafael Benitez.

“You could see that he was not 100 per cent and you could see that he was not fresh, but sometimes, 80 per cent of Fernando can make a difference.

"We knew that he was not 100 per cent fit but it wasn’t a risk so in the end he was able to play.

“It has been a fantastic result, maybe it was the perfect game because we knew that we had to perform against a good team in front of our own fans and it was a fantastic performance from the players.”

Benitez waits on Torres, Gerrard and Johnson's fitness

Reds boss Rafael Benitez is waiting on late fitness tests on Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres and Glen Johnson ahead of Sundays Premiership clash with Manchester United. All three are recovering from groin problems and it is hoped they will be ready for the North West derby. Torres trained with his teammates today and will be further assessed tomorrow, while Johnson missed the midweek Champions League defeat to Lyon. Benitez has spoken of his belief that Johnson will be fit and he also hopes Gerrard recovers in time for the game.

"It's the same situation for all the players," said Benitez to the official web site today.

"Fernando trained today and has been working to a specific programme.

"We will speak with the physios over the weekend before making a decision about Steven.

"Hopefully Glen will be available but we'll have to wait and see. We will make late decisions with all of them."

Asked if Alberto Aquilani would play a part in Sundays game, after his midweek appearance for the reserves, Benitez replied:

"No, I don't think so. We wanted to give him some time on the pitch but still it's too soon to say when he can play for the first team."

Gerrard fit to play Lyon, but Torres is out

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has been passed fit to play in tomorrow nights Champions League tie against Lyon after overcoming a thigh injury that had ruled him out of the Reds defeat to Sunderland on Saturday. However Striker Fernando Torres who is still suffering from an abductor problem, picked up on international duty with Spain in Armenia last week, will miss the game.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez believes his skippers inclusion will be a major boost to a team clearly struggling with confidence.

"With Steven around, it has an effect on the other players. He is an inspiration to them, said Benitez in the Independent.

"Steven is a winner with the right mentality. But we have to see these players on the pitch, they cannot win games when they are injured.

"The team knows we are not playing at the right level, but they also know that we are good enough.

"They know we must start playing again at that level, their response in training has been positive and we must repeat that on the pitch. One good result will change everything.

"I am confident in my team, we are trying to improve and the response of the players this week has been very good and back to our best.

"We have gone from winning five on the trot to losing three in succession. We were scoring lots of goals and now we have not scored in three.

"But I do not believe there is much difference in all these games. We have played well, created chances and won praise for our attacking play.

"We have not changed our tactics, it just shows how close teams are to each other. We lost to Chelsea but were in control for much of the game and then we lose when the ball hits a beach ball.

"We have virtually the same group of players as we had last season, and that ended up with us finishing second.

"Hopefully we can start to win again, the atmosphere will be better and the mood will change as confidence improves.

"We have Gerrard back now, and we have players who are fresher than they were after the international games. I hope that the Champions League will create a special atmosphere that will inspire the players, as it usually does in games like this at Anfield.

"In training this week I can see the team we were in the past. They are almost the same players as last season, we need confidence and some wins, there is no need to start worrying.

"I believe we are strong enough to compete just as we did last season. These players have the quality, they need to play one or two good games and everything will improve.

"It is not the end of the world, it is a bad position but we will come back and start fighting again."

"Torres is not ready, so we have to wait a little longer but hopefully he will be okay for the weekend against Manchester United.

"The problems we have had this season have been too many to solve. We have had problems with our centre-backs, then there was Gerrard unfit and now we also have forwards out.

"There have been too many things all at once. We have to wait for our injured players to return, then things will be a lot better.

"We need people fit, we need the end of the international breaks and then we can all work together to improve.

"First we must win against Lyon, that will get us back on the right road."

Gerrard and Torres sidelined for Sunderland clash

Todays Premiership clash with Sunderland could prove a tougher test then first thought, now that news has emerged that both Liverpool's influential captain Steven Gerrard and Spanish marvel Fernando Torres have been sidelined for the match at Wearside.

Both players sustained injuries whilst on international duty in midweek. Gerrard missed England's win over Belarus on Wednesday after picking up a groin injury in the defeat by Ukraine. Torres suffered from an adductor problem in Spain's win over Armenia last weekend and he was rested for the midweek win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The duo are not the only casualties, as new signing Sotirios Kyrgiakos suffered a knee injury during Greece's 2-1 win over Luxembourg. Early indications suggested the former Rangers man may have sustained cruciate ligament damage, however a scan confirmed this not to be the case.

As if to compound Benitez's selection problems further, Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua, only arrived back on Merseyside after a fifteen hour flight from Buenos Aires yesterday.

Liverpool manager has increasingly become frustrated by his players sustaining injuries whilst away on international duty:

"Both Steven and Fernando still have some problems," Benitez confirmed during his pre match press conference yesterday.

"They will need more time and won't be available this weekend. I think they could be available for next week," reports Sky Sports.

"We were talking with our medical staff and analysing all the problems, but now we can't change the situation and would prefer to concentrate on Sunderland," he said.

"I need to worry about the players I have rather than those I don't."

Dirk Kuyt had also suffered from an ankle problem in midweek but Benitez confirmed it was not an issue and the Dutch international is likely to lead the forward line.

"Kuyt is okay. He was training normally with the team and will be available," added Benitez.

"With Kyrgiakos we were really worried because people were talking about maybe six months, but after the scan we think one week to ten days. That's very positive," he said.

The Reds boss also confirmed summer signing Alberto Aquilani is now training with the first team.

"His physical problems, he is okay and now he has to work on his condition and so hopefully he will be fitter next week," he said.

"But he is now training with the first team and that is the most important thing."

Torres wants to finish his career at Anfield

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has declared that he will never play for another English team and hoes to finish his career at Anfield. Speaking to 'Sport magazine', Liverpool's number nine, nicknamed El Niño said:

"I can understand the feelings between Man Utd and Liverpool," reports Sky Sports.

"I'm a foreign player, but I know how the Liverpool fans feel and I remember the welcome I had when I arrived - it was amazing.

"I hope to play a lot of years or maybe even finish my career here.

"I don't know, but Liverpool is my English team and I don't think about playing for another one."

Torres will get better says Benitez

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, nicknamed El Nino, has come in for criticism recently, with many people stating he looked an unhappy figure this season. Torres has been in for some rough treatment this term so far, but the Spanish striker showed why he's considered the best in the world in yesterdays victory over West Ham. Skipper Steven Gerrard certainly agrees with that assessment, stating the criticism comes with the territory.

“He seems to be playing okay," said Gerrard in the Star.

“That’s the standard he sets. He was certainly on fire today and got two goals for us. When you’re a top player, you get that sort of criticism.

“We’re building confidence slowly. The two defeats were a bit of a blow but hopefully we can go on a run now.”

Torres who's first goal was a sublime solo effort that seemed near impossible to complete when he received the all. His second was a header from a Ryan Babel cross, who somehow found space between two West Ham players.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said: “I think we deserved all three points. I’m really pleased because the players showed character.”

“Fernando is a very good player."

“Last week he was not scoring and everybody was asking if he was fit or not."

“This week he scores two goals and I was very pleased. He was working hard. He was a threat. The main thing for us is for him to keep working. He’s keen to learn. Hopefully he will get better."

“He’s now fit but if he can’t play one or two games we have Dirk Kuyt or Babel."

“If he keeps playing like he did today I am sure he will be one of the best strikers in the Premier League.”

Torres aims to hit top form

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has admitted that he hasn't hit top form yet, but believes he will soon. Following a long season last term and his appearances in the Confederations Cup, Torres nicknamed El Niño, also declared he doesn't need resting.

"It was a really long season for me with so many games for Liverpool and then playing for Spain in the Confederations Cup," said Torres in the Echo.

"I played a lot of minutes and I was a little bit tired.

"I haven't been at my best so far this season but I feel like I'm getting better.

"I'm focused on trying to get back to 100% as soon as possible and I'm ready to play in every game.

"We have a lot of things to achieve for Liverpool this season and I want to stay fit. We have a lot of games coming up and then the World Cup at the end of the season.

"Players always want to play 90 minutes and I'm the same. But of course it's up the manager to manage this kind of situation."

The Reds have had a difficult start to the season, but the Reds number 9 believes three successive wins has boosted the teams confidence ahead of the trip to Upton Park.

"We are recovering the confidence now," he said.

"We have to keep on like this, but also improve and keep working hard because there are difficult games coming.

"There are some players injured and they will come back soon to help the team, but we dont have time to think in terms of the recovery of players and improving then we have to win now."

Torres will overcome the rough treatment

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres who is currently enjoying his third season with the Reds has received as many black eyes since the Premier League began a few short weeks ago. But the Spanish forward dubbed El Niño, believes he can overcome the rough treatment by adapting to the physical nature of the Premiership:

"It happens," he shrugs. "I have to adapt and protect myself because the referees cannot just try to protect three or four players. They have to look after everyone. England is a physical league, but we have to learn and adapt," said Torres in the Telegraph.

"The players here are strong and physical, but they are at least honest, much more so than in other leagues, including Spain. It is maybe not as physical there but people will try and kick you, or use their elbows. That does not happen here. The defenders are always fighting for the ball."

Torres, has at times looked a frustrated figure during the new campaign, as opposing defences target the striker aiming to halt his dangerous runs and Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez recently advised his protégé to overcome the physical treatment by scoring goals.

"I have spoken to Rafa a lot and he has told me to stop talking to referees, because they are just doing their job," he said. "We have watched clips of my first two seasons and I am just trying to do the things I was doing then. Scoring goals is always the best answer.

"If you get frustrated you cannot win the game. For the good of the team, I have to be focused and beat the defenders.

"Every game, not just the matches with the top sides, is very difficult, because the defenders are very strong. I have to learn to live with it. I have to improve every season.

"My first season does not matter now. I want this one to be better than that was. Three goals in five games is not bad, but I want more."

Torres says team is ready to rise to the Premiership challenge

Fernando Torres has stated that although Liverpool FC may not have the spending power of other Premiership clubs, the team is ready to rise to the challenge on the pitch. He also says that if the team works hard to improve, trophies will come.

“I think we are close to getting a trophy but it’s very difficult,” Torres said in the Echo.

“In football at the moment unfortunately money is really important.

“Clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City have a lot of money to spend on good players.

“That’s not the way at Liverpool so we have to try to improve.

“If we are going to get the opportunity to win a trophy we have to do things better than ever. We are ready for the challenge.”

Torres admits to loving life in Liverpool, saying its working class roots remind him of his own upbringing:

"The people are so nice and polite here, and have a lot of respect for players when you are away from the pitch,” he said.

“That is one of the main things for me. In Spain it was difficult for me to go to restaurants or just walk in the street with my friends.

“Now I can do these things and go to the park, walk my dogs and go out for dinner.

“It’s a really working class city and I like that because I was born in a working class part of Spain.

“The people work all week and they go to the ground each weekend to enjoy the team. On the Monday they are working hard again just so they can see their team on the weekend.

“It’s really special to see supporters with my name on their shirt.

“I can understand why they would wear a Stevie G or Carra shirt because they are from Liverpool.

“I only came here two years ago as a foreign player but they love me like Stevie or Carra. That’s amazing and I have to say thank you to them for that.”

Reds will attack Stoke from the outset declares Torres

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has told Fernando Torres to accept he is a marked man and to respond to increased provocation from opposing teams by scoring goals. Torres looked off his stride against Spurs on Sunday and looked a frustrated individual all afternoon as he was pushed and kicked off the ball.

"I have told him that he has to stop this," Benítez said. "He knows he has to improve this aspect of his game. He has to be completely focused on his football and he knows that the way forward is to respond to any intimidation by scoring. Sometimes it is not easy to deal with everything opponents do, but he knows he must deal with it in a different way," reports the Gaurdian.

"In his first season he was really focused and I think he will do that again now," Benítez said. "He knows he has to improve a little bit in these things. He is a star and the defenders are really worried about him, but that is part of the game now."

"He is physically fit, but match fitness is something that you get when you play games," explained the manager. "He only arrived with us on 19 July, we had the trip to Asia and he was playing 15 minutes, half an hour or 45 minutes. Then we had three days off and he played against Espanyol. We probably haven't had all the players together for more than one week, so it hasn't been easy."

"The problem we had was the Confederations Cup which is a very, very important tournament," Benítez said with more than a hint of sarcasm. "For a month the players were playing in a fantastic and important tournament."

Stoke City held The Reds to two goalless draws last season and Torres has pledged to attack from the outset. "We couldn't win against them, so we are waiting for a very defensive team," the Liverpool striker said. "They will try to score from set pieces or from a long ball, but we have to be offensive and go from the first minute until the end to try to score. And if we can score in the first minute I am sure we can win."

Liverpool must be more clinical at Tottenham says Benitez

Reds boss Rafa Benitez is demanding his side be more clinical in front of goal. The Reds visit White Hart lane tomorrow to launch their Premiership game, but Benitez is mindful of last season fixture with the Reds dominating the game but ultimately loosing the match:

“I remember the game at Tottenham very well and it was maybe one of our best away performances last season,” he said in the Echo.

“We lost but the face of Harry Redknapp at the end of the game said it all for me.

“It was a pity because it was a very good game, but you must learn from matches like this.

“When you have chances you have to finish teams off.

“Maybe if there is something we can improve on this season it is to be more clinical.”

Andrea Dossena has been linked with a move back to Italy, but for the time being he is still a Liverpool player and Benitez insists having two players competing for the same position can only be positive for the team.

“Both Dossena and Insua are competing hard for the position and that’s good for us,” Benitez added.

“We had some clubs asking about Dossena but at the moment he’s still with us and he’s our player.

“He has trained really well and we are really pleased with him.”

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres yesterday put pen to paper keeping him at the club until 2013 and Benitez is clearly delighted one of the best forward in the world has committed to the club.

“Every major side would want him in their team, but he has shown how much he wants to achieve success at Liverpool by committing his future to the club.

“He’s a special talent, but still has the hunger to improve his game.”

Torres signs new deal and declares Reds will win the title!

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has today signed the new and improved contract that will tie him to the Reds until 2013 reports the official site.

"The 25-year old striker agreed the terms of the deal back in May and has now completed the formalities of signing the new contract. Torres was already tied to Anfield for the next four seasons after signing a six-year deal in 2007. This new contract includes an option for a further year's extension to 2014," says the statement.

"His new wage brings him into line with Liverpool’s highest earners, captain Steven Gerrard and defender Jamie Carragher," says the Telegraph which speculates that the Spanish strikers new deal is worth "£110,000-a-week."

Torres who has scored 38 goals in 57 Premier League appearances in his two years at Liverpool aims to add to that tally when the new season kicks off on Sunday. El Niño insists it will be the Red's season as manager Rafael Benitez has formed the best Liverpool side in years:

"We have no problem beating Manchester United or Chelsea, but it is games like Sunday's at Tottenham where we need to show our real title intentions," said Torres in the Telegraph.

"Tottenham is not an easy place to go but these are games we must be winning if this is finally to be our year. We need to turn draws into wins at places like White Hart Lane. If we can win these sorts of games two or three times a season, that will be enough for the title.

"I am not thinking we can win the title - I am thinking we have to win the title. We came so close last year but for many of the players it was their first time experiencing the pressure of a Premier League title race.

"We don't need to improve a lot on last season to win, there is only a slight improvement needed to give the fans and players the title they have wanted for so many years.

"This is the best Liverpool team there has been in years - that is what many of the experienced players are saying. Now is our time - second best is just not going to cut it with me anymore."

The Main (Stand) Man Speaks: Gerrard & Torres

'The Main (Stand) Man' brings us part two of his week long analysis of the Reds up-coming Premiership Campaign. His thoughts yesterday viewed the resurgence of Lucas Leiva as an added bonus for the new season, now he turns his attention to...

The Gerrard-Torres combination:

Following the injury issues to both of these players last season, and the limited number of times that Benitez was able to field both in the same game, it is to be hoped that they can both stay fit for the majority of the coming campaign. Certainly on the evidence of the Atletico Madrid game, where they were at times going through the defence at will, it seems they have lost none of the enthusiasm that they seem to exude when playing alongside each other. Given the lack of qualified cover for Torres as an out-and-out striker, a lot will rest on the proficiency of the duo to enable the club to again challenge meaningfully for the title.

Carragher says Gerrard and Torres the best strike partnership in the world

Jamie Carragher believes Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres will be key to Liverpool's hopes of winning the Premier League this season. The Liverpool defender thinks the fearsome pairing could be the most destructive strike partnership in the world.

"No other team in England has a partnership like Gerrard and Torres," reports Sky Sports.

"It's strange to be talking about Stevie as a striker now, but that's what he's become, and in that position, just behind the main forward, there is no one better."

"In fact, there is no better strike pairing in the world than Gerrard and Torres. They can tear defences wide open in a split second."

"When you have that kind of ability in your team it gives you incredible belief. If we can keep them both free of injury then we are going to take some stopping. There were times last year when we went into games without them and it showed."

"It was great to see them both sign new contracts this summer - they are the most important players in our team."

"If they stay fit and continue to improve then I think we will go very close. We all hope this will be our year, but we'll have to play as well as we did last season and turn the draws that damaged us into wins."

Torres says he plays for the best club and league in the world

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has spoken of his desire to remain at Liverpool and win trophies with he team he believes is the greatest club in the world. Revealing his desire and ambition with the club he calls home, Torres aims to put last years season, which was hindered by injury, behind him and play ever match possible.

“I want to forget all my injury problems from last season and I want to play in every single game this season – be it the league, the Champions League, the FA Cup or the League Cup,” he said to the Echo.

“Based on the quality of this squad, we can go very far and win many trophies.”

“All I want is to score more goals to help the team win more trophies.”

“Playing up front alone has its challenges but I’m used to it since my days at Atletico Madrid,” he said.

“I don’t mind playing alone or with another striker. I don’t really think about it. As a striker, you are playing for the team and what is more important is that you score goals and help your team win the game in the end.”

“I don’t think we need to sign any other players. We have already bought good players such as Glen Johnson whom I believe is a good signing for Liverpool.”

“We don’t need to buy new players to prove that we are capable of winning.”

Torres admits he’s looking forward to renewing his special partnership with Reds captain and good friend Steven Gerrard.

“Gerrard is the best player in the world and is a special friend to me,” Torres said.

“We have this special understanding between us on the field. He can read my mind and I can read his."

“He is always looking out for me on the field. Once I make a move, he will try and pass the ball to me. So far our partnership has worked very well.”

Following team mate Xabi Alonso’s desire to Leave Anfield, Torres reveals the thought has never entered his head.

“I have never thought about leaving the club,” he added.

“My team in Spain is Atletico Madrid and my team in England is Liverpool.”

Ex Red Michael Owen has recently joined arch rivals Manchester United, but the move is something he would never consider.

“I don’t think I’ll play for another English club, and definitely not Manchester United.”

“I’m a Liverpool player and I just want to do my best for the club.“I strongly believe we will win at least the league title within the next two years.”

Torres who spent six years in the Spanish top flight with Atletico Madrid, has also revealed he thinks the Premiership is the best league in the world.

"English football has an enormous following across the world, not just because of the players but because of its history, its tradition, the excitement, the capacity crowds," reports the Telegraph.

"The other leagues can learn a lot, even La Liga. Madrid have signed Kaka and Ronaldo, and Barcelona have Xavi and Messi but, really, the Premier League is way ahead."

In a summer of massive money deals and clubs spending huge amounts of money, Torres believes such frivolous spending means nothing if you don’t win trophies.

"Ten years after you stop playing you want to have medals, trophies. You may have a fantastic car and home but it's not the same."

Winning the Premier League with Liverpool would be also rank amongst his finest achievements, he said:

"Winning the league here would be like winning the European Championship with Spain last year."

The player who is about to start his third season with the Reds has settled into the city and believes he feels totally at home in Liverpool. He also has nothing but great things to say about the people, saying:

"It's because Liverpool is a working city. At the weekend people go to watch their team at Anfield and watch the best team in the country," he added. "I had a lot of offers from a lot of clubs but I was always attracted to Liverpool because of the reputation of the people from the city, the club's supporters and their history, and I wanted help make this one of the greatest clubs in the world again."

Torres says it would be a serious loss if Alonso left

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres believes it would be a serious loss for Liverpool if Xabi Alonso leaves the club for Real Madrid. Speaking about the Madrid’s pursuit of the influential midfielder, Torres says he is unsure how the saga will be resolved.

“It would be a bad piece of work if Xabi left,” said Torres to the Telegraph.

“He plays his cards close to his chest so I don’t know what is going to happen."

“I’d put Xabi’s own wishes ahead of everything else, of course, but he’s got three years left on his contract with us and I’d love it if he stays."

“It would be a serious loss for Liverpool if he left this summer.”

Reds boss Rafael Benitez wants the ongoing saga surrounding Xabi Alonso's future to be resolved and will hold talks with the player when he returns to Merseyside tomorrow following a brief holiday in his native San Sebastian.

Alvaro Arbeloa who has just completed a switch to the Bernabeu, said: “Xabi and I shared a room on tour and explained our situations to Benitez and he made us clear on the club’s standpoint,” reports the Telegraph.

Meanwhile ex Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek has not helped the situation by urging his old teammate to join him at Real Madrid.

"I think all of the Spanish players dream about coming and playing for Real Madrid. It would be good for Alonso to play for the best team in the world with the best players. The project we have got here with the new president looks very promising," he told the Telegraph.

"There are something like 30 players, very good players, in the dressing room," Dudek said.

"It is very competitive, because we need to have something like 25 players. We have some good players already, but we need more. I hope that Alonso will come here. I know him very well, we are good friends, but in this world of football you never know what is going to happen. He is a great football player and a very good person also, and my personal point of view is that it would be good if he comes."

“He is Spanish and all the Spanish guys want to play for Real Madrid. This is a dream come true for them and Xabi knows that he's not the only one,” Said Dudek in the Mail.

"I spoke to him (Alonso) just before the holidays. He is a very nice lad and he knows what is the best for him. But he cannot do anything without Benitez."

"So I don't know (what will happen), but he is a good player without question, one of the best midfielders in the world."

Torres vows its Liverpool’s year

Kop hero Fernando Torres wants to surpass Cristiano Ronaldo’s achievements. The Reds star striker who has scored 50 goals in 84 games for the Reds since signing from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2007, is certain that Liverpool will win the Premiership, however he knows it won’t be easy.

Torres said: "Of course, my ambition is to be seen in that same way as Cristiano Ronaldo was seen at Manchester United,” reports The Mirror.

"Of course, it is my ambition to be seen in that same way that Cristiano Ronaldo was seen at Manchester United."

"But to do that Liverpool must win trophies. I know only then will people be able to speak the same way about Liverpool and me as they have done Ronaldo and United."

"First we have to win trophies as a team and to do that we have to have a fantastic season."

"We're excited because we think this can be the year for Liverpool. But we know how difficult it's going to be."

"Chelsea are there also because they have the same side as last season and Arsenal are a strong side."

"We are strong, and will be even stronger with a great signing like Glen Johnson."

"We are moving forward and it's true we have one of our best chances to win the trophy for a long time."

"But it's still time to be careful. It's still pre-season and everything is possible."

"People are saying United will be a lot weaker without Ronaldo, but I don't think so."

"They are still a fantastic team with a lot of fantastic players but, of course, we have a big chance."

"Maybe with Ronaldo leaving United it's not so easy for people to see one big favourite this time, when maybe there was a favourite before."

"The League is more open and that's why the Premier League is such a great league. I still believe it's the best in the world."

"It's my aim to be fit for every game this season."

"I feel fresher now because I've only just started training again."

"But I am certain that by the start of the season I am going to be 100 per cent, and the break I've had will have helped me."

"I had a good rest after the Confederations Cup - 20 days - and I don't feel I need to do anything special to protect my hamstrings."

"I'll go step by step, and do my best to forget about those problems."

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Torres declares Liverpool will win the Premiership

Liverpool striker Fernando Torres thinks that Liverpool will win a trophy this coming season and believes The Reds can finally win the Premiership:

“Two years without a trophy is a long time for a club like Liverpool,” reports the Times.

“But we believe we can do it this year. It won’t be easy because there are big challenges ahead, but we think we can win."

“Maybe this season will be more important because we have a fantastic squad and we can play better than last season. I came to Liverpool to win trophies and I am sure that this time we can win the Premier League or the Champions League.”

Rafa reveals his first choice strikers are Torres and Gerrard

Rafa Benitez has revealed his first choice strikers for next season: Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard! He also stated that Andriy Voronin has pledged to fight for his place in the Anfield side, but Benitez admitted it would be difficult for him. Speaking about Voronin, the Reds manager said:

“He did really well in Germany last season, scoring plenty of goals, and he has told me that he wants to stay at the club and fight for his position," reports Sky Sports.

"I have told him that will be difficult with Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard as our first-choice strikers, but he realises this and the players we have in the squad.”

"But he also knows that this club always plays more than 60 games a season and that means there are opportunities. He will fight for his place."

He added: "At this moment, he is a Liverpool player, but it depends on him.

“He is continuing to work hard and is playing well, so he will have a chance. It is good to have him back. When we signed him, we were looking for a player who could play between the lines as a second striker with quality. He has game intelligence, which is something we are always looking for."

Benitez reveals ‘big offers’ have been made for Torres

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has revealed that Liverpool have had ‘big offers’ for some of their key players including Fernando Torres. Speaking to the Mirror, the Reds manager said:

"We have had some very big offers for some of our key players this summer - and that includes Fernando Torres.”

The article speculates that as many as “FOUR mega-money bids” have been rejected for the Spanish striker, stating: “Real Madrid, Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City all made it clear they would pay £60million for Torres.”

But Benitez declared the striking sensation was not for sale and offers would not be listened to, as Torres himself stated he had no intention of leaving:

"Clubs wanted Fernando and we were contacted by agents working for those clubs. But we always knew that when a bid came in we would say 'no.' The main thing was that Torres wanted to stay here. People knew the player wanted to stay, but it did not stop clubs trying.”

"Football has changed and there is big, big money around. But we still have the same idea to keep the spine of the team and work hard for next season. In football and life you cannot guarantee anything, that is a fact.”

"But what I will say is that we wanted to send out a message that Liverpool are a strong team and that we want to improve. You don't improve by selling your best players."

The article says that “Torres' fitness will be monitored throughout the season” and “he has undergone specialist physical conditioning to ensure there is no repeat of the hamstring problems that hit him last season after playing at Euro 2008.”

Speaking about Michael Owen, Rafa suggested that a return for the fallen kop idol would not have worked.

"We had some contact about Owen and we were analysing the situation. But we have a World Cup coming up and the top players want to play every week. It would have been hard for Owen to play every week at Liverpool.”