Chelsea boss Benitez says Torres peaked at Liverpool

Posted Wednesday, November 28, 2012 by YAHOO Sport

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez believes Fernando Torres peaked during the striker’s spell at Liverpool, but he is hoping the Spaniard can rediscover the form which prompted the Blues to pay 50 million pounds for his services.

"[Torres' form] is not the same now as when he was at his maximum but I think he can come back," he told reporters.

Torres endured another frustrating game during his side’s goalless draw against Manchester City on Sunday - failing to register a single shot on target -and has been heavily criticized for his displays since joining the club for a British-record fee back in January 2011.

While Benitez has admitted the Spain international’s best performances came for his former side, he is hoping his current teammates can help him to recapture his previous form, although he is unsure how long it could take.
"How close? I don't know," Benitez said. "It depends on the rest of the team. I think he can improve but the team has to help him."

"The first thing is to give him some confidence; give him instructions of what he can do in a different way to improve him and the rest of the team a little bit physically.”

The 28-year-old has only managed to net 19 times in 88 appearances for the current European Champions since his big-money arrival, and Chelsea will be looking to end a five-match winless run in the Premier League when the team hosts local rival Fulham on Wednesday.