Roberto Di Matteo is not worried that Fernando Torres will regress to his Chelsea dark days following the striker’s disappointing performance against Queens Park Rangers.
Torres has been charged with the job of being Chelsea’s No.1 striker this season following the departure of Didier Drogba and he scored twice in his opening three Premier League appearances.
However, the Spaniard cut an increasingly deflated figure during Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Loftus Road before he was replaced by Daniel Sturridge in the final 10 minutes.
The former Liverpool forward stormed down the tunnel after being substituted, but Di Matteo played down concerns that Torres could be set to embark on a nightmare run.
“No, no, absolutely not,” said the Chelsea boss. “We can’t put too much pressure on one player.
“We are a team and everybody has responsibility. We’re looking for other players to score goals as well.
“I think it’s a team sport. I wouldn’t individually go player by player.
“I thought, as a team, we played well, our centre-forward worked very hard, he had a chance in the first half to score as well, a half-decent chance in the second half.”
Sturridge offered a lively presence after being introduced and Di Matteo suggested the England international will get his chance in the upcoming games.
“We’ve only played four in the league now,” said Di Matteo, whose attention now shifts to Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Juventus.
“We’re going to have seven games – including this – in 21 days. So there is time for everybody to play.”
He added of Sturridge: “He can maybe play more minutes, for sure.
“As long as he keeps training well and, when he has the opportunities, shows his qualities, that’s the way forward, and he will get chances to play as well.”
Sky Sport
