Great Torres Interview

“Madrid Was Killing Me”
Fernando opens up in an interview with El Pais. He looks you in the eye when he speaks; talking in a measured tone, but with an elaborate discourse which makes his sentences even more weighted. At 25 years old, Torres hopes that this afternoon’s match against South Africa will be his last match of the season. “The boss decides, but if he wants me to, I’ll be delighted to play,” he said last Thursday, one day after the defeat to the United States, which will prevent him from taking on the role he did in Vienna a year ago, when his precious goal awarded Spain the European Championship title.

What’s left of El Nino?
What does the word encapsulate? When I joined Atleti’s first team I was just a boy, like all those who go up from the youth team, I suppose. But it was my lot to remain with the nickname, perhaps because at 18 years old I was already captain. It was an enormous responsibility, excessive and unnecessary. A historic club such as Atleti should never have allowed itself such a luxury; but the situation—economic and sports-wise—was complicated, and that deflected attention to other things, which meant we weren’t able to take care of the small details.

And now, at 25 years old, you are part of a group of Captains in the National Team, but fourth or fifth in line. Lesson learned, perhaps?
In the National Team I have had the time to progress. There are far more veteran teammates and I learn from them. I still share a dressing room with people who were there when I just arrived. In Atletico, after three years there was no one left from the first squad.

So complicated was Atletico?
Very difficult. A difficult club. They survive on their history, and if they are a great club it’s because of that history. But nowadays it’s not competing as a great club. Madrid and Barcelona are very much ahead of them. Even Valencia and Sevilla have got to the top. But people continue to live on the dreams of old days, but the reality is quite different.

I remember that Luis—when he took charge of the team the year when we got promoted, he warned: “To recover the lost time we need about 5 years.” Just five years, that’s all we needed to get back to the Champions League. But it was very difficult to get it into people’s heads that we were not the Atleti of the old days, that we needed five, six, seven years to get back to where we once were.

Has this Confederations Cup brought home to you how famous you are?
It’s enough to walk out at Anfield to see it. Outside of Spain I am accustomed to receiving affection from people. I have that in Liverpool and in the Premier League. English football has an enormous trajectory, but not because of the players, but rather for its organization, its gravitas, the repercussions (for everyone), its order … The grounds are always filled, the pitches in perfect condition, the television rights are distributed evenly amongst all the clubs…From all of this there is much to learn. Other leagues will have great players—Madrid has signed Cristiano, for example, and Xavi and Messi are also in the same league…But in terms of organization and how they engage with the rest of the world, the Premier League is way ahead of la Liga or Calcio.

Does Ronaldo’s decision surprise you?
I am sure he has his own personal motives, he’s in need of new challenges, new experiences. He’s done it all in Manchester, there wasn’t much margin left for improvement.

As a Liverpool player, does it scare you that United now has 94 million Euros to spend on new players?
I would have preferred if that money had been invested in Spain, but I suppose it prevents other Spanish clubs from seeking reinforcements. As far as we’re concerned, our great rival has a lot of money to improve their squad, but it will be difficult for them to find players of the calibre of Tevez or Ronaldo.

Can Liverpool afford to sell Xabi Alonso?
It would be a great…well, a bad move. But I have to think of Xabi’s well-being above all. He’s quite a hermit in some ways. The truth is that I don’t really know what’s going on inside his head. He has three years left on his contract and I would like him to stay with us. It would be a massive (grave) loss.

You once said that Luis (Aragonès) was tough on you. How about Benítez?
Benítez doesn’t get quite as 'up and personal' as Luis. Luis is a motivator that gets you going just by his way of being, because if you don’t pull your weight he has no qualms about leaving you behind. Rafa is more about the professional aspect…He wants you to improve on every single detail and in every movement, and he always explains why. He is obsessed with the idea of doing things because you understand—you must understand the reason why he asks you to do it. It’s not about him saying ‘do this because I say so.’ Not at all.

“Do it this way, for this reason. Do you understand? No? Well, let me explain.” That’s Benítez. I remember that when he signed me I was being widely criticized for not being a well-known goalscorer. The first thing he told me was that I was signed to score goals. Benítez is adamant that you live in the area (the 18 yard box) because according to him goals are scored in that area. That was the first thing he said to me, that the wings are for wing players and the striker must concern himself with the central defenders. In the National Team it is totally different, you have to move around. In Liverpool I focus on the central defender so that Gerrard can enter the area unnoticed.

Are English defenders very hard to deal with?
No, physically, they are hard. But they are also less disciplined. It is more difficult to create scoring opportunities, but when you do get them out of position they are more vulnerable. For that reason teams like Manchester and Chelsea are more competitive, because defensively they are quite organized. For any English team, if they’ve got a bit of quality up front it gets really competitive.

Is that what Liverpool are lacking?
We are lacking impact players on the flanks, like Tevez and Ronaldo are for United. Players that make a difference in home games. In fact, Liverpool has lost league titles at home, against mid-table teams. We need people like Iniesta, Silva, Cazorla, Mata…We need quality and people who can wreak havoc on the flanks.

Was the hardest part of adapting to England understanding Benítez in English?
When in the presence of other people, he always spoke to me in English. When alone, in Spanish. At first I didn’t understand the timetables, I didn’t know where I was supposed to go…I didn’t understand anything. Thank goodness Álvaro {Arbeloa}, Xabi and Pepe {Reina} were there. I remember Pepe telling me when I arrived to prepare to have fun.

And he was right?
I asked him about Anfield and he said to me: “Until you see it, you wont understand.” On my debut, against Chelsea, while we were greeting each other and the fans were singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ I remember him coming up to me and whispering: “This is what I was talking about. Enjoy it.” I can’t even begin to describe the day when I discovered that they were coming up with a song in my honour.

How do the English regard the Spanish League?
With much interest; and with Barcelona as the main reference this year, there is much admiration. Everyone has seen how they were superior to Manchester. But the Spanish league is not watched with envy; it’s taken for granted that the Premier League is stronger, based on the results of English teams in the Champions League, of course.

We have spoken about Luis and Benítez. What is Vicente Del Bosque like?
I have a great relationship with him. We see him as one of us. Luis was a little bit like that, but there was also a line you could not cross: He was the boss (he ruled) and in any moment the line could be drawn. Del Bosque is closer to us. It is a much calmer environment.

What did he say during half-time, against the United States?
Since he had already warned us before the game…It was all about going over what he had told us: a fighting team that was going to put pressure on us up front, who would come looking for us…We could not say that we hadn’t been warned, so there was no excuse. What he told us would happen is exactly what happened. It was a there for all to see, so Vicente tried to raise our spirits and asked us to be patient.

Why did Spain lose?
Because they scored two goals with the two occasions they had while we created 29 chances and could not score. It’s one of those games where you think: out of ten, we would win nine. But we should win all ten. If this happens during a World Cup, we’re talking about something entirely different. So it should serve as a valuable experience. We have to learn from these things. We didn’t do anything wrong, but as we lost, we obviously did not do something totally right.

Are you one of those who thinks it’s better to lose now?
I think it’s best not to lose at all. It puts me in a very bad mood. And it takes me a long time to recover. There are teammates who, after 5 minutes they are up, trying to lift the group’s spirits, helping people get over it…but for me it is very hard to get over a defeat. To each his own. When I was captain they used to say to me: ‘You have to go and pull up your teammates.’ But I couldn’t; I don’t like to lose and I’m likely to spend the next three days in the dumps. And even more so with the National Team.

Well, people say you are quite cold.
I don’t know. It depends on the situation. I am not used to expressing my feelings outwardly; it just doesn’t suit me. It is nothing premeditated, and I’m not putting on airs. It’s difficult for me to open myself up; that’s true. I keep it all inside because I don’t want to contaminate those around me with my problems.

Superstitious?
Every day less and less so. I still have certain rituals if things are going well, but every day less and less. I used to be much worse than I am now.

And Luis, what did he used to say?
What could he say when he was much worse than me?! I remember one time he asked the grounds keeper to change the cones on the training ground because they were yellow. And the year we got promoted, our away jersey was yellow, no doubt. You should have seen his face when he came into the dressing room and saw us all dressed in yellow. We were winning 0-1 in Molinas in the 89th minute. They drew level in the 90th and Ledhiakov’s team ended up winning the match. Of course it was the jersey’s fault.

I think those little routines are very typical of footballers. More than superstitions, they are habits, customs. At the end of the day it’s all nonsense but it puts your mind at rest. In truth, football is a mental game and what a footballer needs is confidence, security.

And mentally, how does someone like you cope, especially as you are about to become a father?
Let’s say that my perspective on things has changed a lot in the last few years. Since I have been in Liverpool even more so. A huge weight of responsibility has been lifted off my shoulders, a responsibility which followed me at Atletico, with every step I took. I was a fan and the captain of the same team and that became unbearable. But, basically, in Liverpool I have gained a certain quality of life. Now I can go and do things that in Madrid were impossible. It might seem that since you are from there, you have everything to make you happy but it’s nothing like that. Madrid was killing me. I couldn’t go to the cinema, or shopping; the team was not doing well, it was a permanent anguish. In Liverpool everything is the opposite: you get used to winning, you can go out on the street, people respect you…

Football has taken you to South Africa. How would you describe your experience?
I was very curious about this country and it’s been a pleasant surprise. We thought it was going to be a disaster… that we wouldn’t be able to go out on the streets… that the facilities would be deplorable. They have a few things to improve, but the fundamental things are ready. For me it is important that Africa gets to put on this World Cup. I am enchanted with this continent that has been so mistreated…now it has the opportunity to show the world that it can do the same as any other. I remember seeing the first game with South Africa and was horrified that the fans were booing Booth. I couldn’t believe it.

A lot of us felt the same…
Sure, can you imagine that a country like this, that has suffered so much anguish because of race issues, could treat a white player this way? I was shocked. But later I found out through the internet that it was not racial abuse, but that he was in fact their idol…I was so relieved. It’s been fantastic for me to witness the South Africans’ capacity to heal the wounds of the past. It’s a lesson for us all. I really like the people here, especially the children, who froze up when they recognized me, with their mouths wide open. South Africa has shown me a lot of affection; the people smile; they are optimistic…I take away from here an unforgettable impression of this country and its people.

What a fantastic read!!!
Really enjoyed that, thanks FF9.

There's somthing about Torres that goes beyond the goals he scores for Liverpool isn't there. Many people make remarks about footballers being thick and many times they're probably right. On the other hand Torres seems to have an air of intelligence and wisdom that goes way beyond his age. Maybe it's from captaining at such a young age. Great interview. Thanks FF9

think that interview goes along way to show how humble and down to earth the guy is,he is such a nice lad

Two years ago today Fernando Torres put pen to paper on a six-year contract with Liverpool.  
American history remembers this date as the day when the USA declared independence from Great Britain in 1776, and they celebrate with fireworks, carnivals and concerts.
  
However, closer to home the date is remembered as the day when El Nino confirmed himself a Red, and he's gone on to celebrate with goals, goals and more goals.
  
It's been an action packed two years for Liverpool's No.9 since joining from Atletico Madrid.
  



  
A boyhood Atletico fan, Torres made the emotional switch to Anfield in 2007 and made his debut against Aston Villa at Villa Park in a 2-1 victory.
  
His first game at Anfield saw him find the net with his debut goal for the club and also gave a clear indication of how he could forge a fearsome partnership with Reds skipper Steven Gerrard.
  
Gerrard played a slick pass to the Spaniard, who shifted the ball past Tal Ben Haim and coolly slotted right-footed beyond Petr Cech.
  
And so Liverpool's record signing was up and running, and there was no stopping him.
  
His next game in front of the home crowd saw him net a brace against Derby County in a 6-0 rout as he found the net at the Kop end for the first time.
  
In his League Cup debut away to Reading, Torres took home the match ball with his first hat-trick for the club, and it wasn't long before Reds fans all over the world were chanting their new heroes name...
  
"His armband proved he was a Red, Torres! Torres!
'You'll Never Walk Alone' it said, Torres! Torres!
We bought the lad from sunny Spain
He gets the ball, he scores again
Fer-nan-do Torres Liverpool's number nine."
  
In December, with victory at Marseille's Stade Velodrome required to qualify for the knock out stages of the Champions League, El Nino was again on hand to help his side on their way.
  
An early goal from Steven Gerrard was added to by the Spaniard, who once again turned a seemingly harmless situation into a delirious Liverpool away end.
  




  
He claimed his first Barclays Premier League hat-trick against Middlesbrough at Anfield in February 2008 in front of an adoring Kop.
  
After going behind, Liverpool turned on the style and the ruthless Torres netted on three occasions against Gareth Southgate's men.
  
However it is medals and not match balls that Torres craves and afterwards he said: "It's the second hat-trick of my Liverpool career so it's a very happy day for me.
  
"But I would prefer to be remembered as someone who helped Liverpool to win trophies than a great goalscorer.
  
"I'm here to win titles and the Champions League is a very important target for me this season. I've got to score goals because it's my job but it's not the most important thing for me and I can consider the season a success only if we win something.”
  
He wouldn't wait long for his next treble and Fernando became the first Liverpool player to score back-to-back hat-tricks at Anfield since Jack Balmer in 1946 with West Ham his victims.
  
A week later and Liverpool demolished the ghosts of 1965 against Inter Milan.
  
The great Bill Shankly's side had beaten the Nerazzurri 3-1 at Anfield, but succumbed to a 3-0 away defeat in the San Siro.
  
However, back in Italy and this time protecting a 2-0 lead, the Reds defended expertly before Fabio Aurelio intercepted on the left and found El Nino.
  
Torres turned in a heartbeat and fired the ball past a helpless Julio Cesar - a sense of justice was finally achieved for Shanks's Reds.
  




  
Next came Fernando's first against the old enemy Everton. After finding the net after just seven minutes, Evertonians were left praying that Liverpool wouldn't repeat their five goal romp of 1982. As it was, the post and numerous saves from Tim Howard spared the Blues any further blushes, reducing Liverpool to the single goal victory despite creating 22 attempts on goal.
  
The Champions League was a huge factor in Fernando parting with his beloved Atletico, and in April 2008 he played his part in one of Anfield's most epic encounters at home to Arsenal.
  
After a 1-1 draw away at the Emirates, Liverpool were firm favourites to progress to the semi final stage. But, Arsenal put themselves into the driving seat with an early strike.
  
Sami Hyypia drew the Reds level before Torres unleashed a thunderous shot into the top corner to swing the pendulum in Rafa's Reds favour again and help set up a last four meeting with Chelsea for the third time in four seasons.
  
In the second leg of that semi final tie, Fernando forced the game into extra-time through a well taken goal, but unfortunately it wasn't to be and the Reds wouldn't compete in the final in Moscow in May.
  
In the final home game of the season El Nino once again wrote himself into Liverpool history by becoming the first player to score in eight consecutive home games since the legendary Roger Hunt had done so in the 1961-62 season.
  
And despite ending with no silverware the records kept coming. The final day of the campaign at White Hart Lane saw Torres eclipse Ruud van Nistelrooy's record of most league goals in a debut season in the Premier League by a foreigner, taking his tally to 24 in the league.
  
Those 24 league goals added to three in the League cup and six in the Champions League took his total to a magnificent 33 goals.
  
There was to be no rest that summer however, as our No.9 jetted off to Austria and Switzerland to represent Spain in the 2008 European Championships. He got his name on the score sheet in Spain's second game against Sweden, which was enough to see them into the quarter finals.
  
La Furia Roja then came up against World Cup holders Italy, and it took a penalty shoot out to make their way through to the semi's. But Spain would progress to the final with ease, overcoming Guus Hiddink's Russia 3-0.
  
In the final against Germany the Spaniards were dominant, but could only convert the single goal.
  
And of course it was Torres who audaciously clipped the ball into the net to confirm his side would be European Championship winners, claiming their first trophy since they won the same title in 1964.
  




  
After the perfect summer, Fernando was back on Merseyside and preparing for his second season with the Reds.
  
He got off to a great start by firing a wonderful shot into the corner at the Stadium of Light as Liverpool claimed a 1-0 win at Sunderland.
  
It was a season that would be marred by niggling hamstring injuries for Fernando, but he still managed plenty of memorable moments for Liverpool fans.
  
At Goodison Park in September, Torres claimed a fantastic double in the Reds' 2-0 win.
  
After scoring two in three minutes at the Gwladys Street end he was cruelly denied the first hat-trick in a Merseyside derby since 1982 when he struck the ball home but it was ruled out due to a foul on Joleon Lescott by Dirk Kuyt.
  
He continued his fine form against Manchester City. After finding themselves 2-0 down at the break, an instinctive finish from the Spain ace got the Reds back into the game, and then a bullet header shortly after drew Liverpool level. Teammate Kuyt netted to complete the turnaround late on.
  
Fernando scored his first FA Cup goal for the club at Deepdale against Preston in the FA Cup in January and a month later scored twice in as many minutes against Chelsea at Anfield to renew hopes of ending the season as Champions.
  
Then a last minute winner at Fratton Park in February completed yet another magnificent comeback for Rafa's Reds.
  
In the Champions League last 16, Liverpool were faced with a tough task against Fernando's former rivals Real Madrid.
  
After a heroic 1-0 win in the Bernabeu, Madrid came to Anfield needing to score. As it was, only Liverpool found the net scoring a further four without reply.
  
Torres showed pure class in the opening stages by making a mockery of Italy's World cup winning captain Fabio Cannavaro, turning him expertly but his shot was saved by Iker Casillas.
  
However the tone was set and it wouldn't be long before the ball would be in the net.
  
A square ball by Kuyt allowed Torres to tuck the ball home and set the Reds on course for another memorable European night at Anfield.
  
Only four days later and Rafa's side and Torres were at it again. After falling behind at Old Trafford, El Nino pressurised Nemanja Vidic into an error and calmly slotted the ball past Edwin van der Sar to equalise.
  
Liverpool went onto score a further three goals, humiliating United in front of their own fans with an unforgettable 4-1 triumph.
  




  
Torres was now back to his best and a poignant moment saw him score against Blackburn, played on April 11 - the closest game to the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.
  
A stroke of genius saw Fernando unleash a right footed volley into the top corner, as the clock ticked onto the sixth minute - the same time the semi final at Hillsborough was stopped.
  
El Nino turned away with his arms pointing to the sky dedicating his goal to the 96 lost Liverpool fans.
  
That was his first of an afternoon brace, and he added another two in the entertaining game against Arsenal, which seemingly ended any dreams of becoming Premier League champions.
  
In the final game of his second season, a wonderful header against Spurs saw Fernando score his 50th goal in 84 games.
  
They have been two years of burst nets and El Nino celebrations... long may it continue.  



http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164947090704-0901.htm

What a day this was and will go down as such an important day in our glorious history in years to come