Chelsea to blame for Fernando Torres slump, says Yossi Benayoun

Yossi Benayoun has blamed “bad management” at Chelsea for Fernando Torres’ dramatic slump in form – but the Israeli international is adamant that his team-mate is still one of the best strikers in the world.

Torres has managed 15 goals in 42 appearances for the Blues this term – a marked improvement on his first full season at Stamford Bridge – but question marks still linger over the forward’s long-term future.

The Spain international joined Chelsea in a British record £50m move from Liverpool in Janury 2011 after scoring 81 goals in 142 appearances for the Merseyside outfit in a three-and-a-half season spell.

Torres has failed to replicate those levels at Chelsea, but his current Blues colleague Benayoun – who also played with the Spaniard at Liverpool – says Chelsea’s poor management of their record signing has damaged the striker’s career.

“You can understand it is not easy, from being the top striker at Liverpool – he was unbelievable, you gave him the ball and you knew he would score,” Benayoun said.

“But he had a bad time in the beginning at Chelsea. When he came in, he was on the bench, then on the pitch.

“He did not get the confidence when he came in. And with the £50m above his head, it is not easy for any player. The situation from the beginning was badly managed with him.”

He added: “For me, he is still one of the best strikers in the world.

“You do not change so quick from being one of the best in the world, to a player that some people say is not good enough for Chelsea.

“He has had good spells, bad spells, and has 15 or 16 goals already. That is not bad, but hopefully he will finish with 25.

“He just needs to believe in himself. It would be good to get his confidence back and be his old self. Hopefully he will get a few more soon and you will see the real Fernando Torres.”