AVB explains how Chelsea strikers work – and calls for patience!

Chelsea’s manager Andres Villas-Boas snubbed the possibility to transfer Torres away from the club amid speculations which were pointing towards a January sale.

Another rumour was linking Chelsea with a possible switch with Spanish giants Real Madrid. Reports say that Higuain is not satisfied about his situation at the club and Mourinho would be interested in Torres, so a change might be on the cards.

“For me, it’s indifferent who puts it in the net,” said AVB. “I always decide for the benefit of the team. I just want Chelsea to be top of league as soon as possible.

“But any player wearing the number nine on his back [as Torres does] lives for goal. Fernando and Didier can tell you exactly that.

“Strikers are the most selfish people in the world, and rightly so because they put ball in the net.

“Finding the back of the net is important for any striker. It has had a major impact on Didier’s run. Fernando will have to be the same.”

“This is a talent that’s never in doubt, but it is related to motivation. We have to be patient and turn it round.

“But it is only something that comes from self-confidence, motivation and hitting the back of the net.

“By motivation, I mean the feeling of putting the ball in the net more often. Motivation in the sense of the way you feel on pitch and goals you score.”

Torres is expected to come back on the field for Chelsea but Villas-Boas must find a way to bring the striker in the phenomenal form which made him so coveted.