Torres reveals fitness fight
5th Jan 2010

Fernando Torres today revealed he is putting in extra hours at Melwood to stay fit and help Liverpool finish in the top four.


The No.9's season has been punctuated by a groin problem but, thanks to a gruelling fitness regime, he has now played four consecutive 90 minutes.

Torres told Liverpoolfc.tv he may have to put in extra hours until the end of the campaign - but the Spaniard is now playing without pain and doesn't anticipate missing any more games.

"I am good now. Much better than a couple of months ago," said Torres. "I need to keep working three, four or five hours more than the rest of the squad because I need to keep recovering for the rest of the season.

"It's a difficult time but it's worth it if I want to play. I do the normal training session with my teammates, but before and after I have to do treatment, exercises and gym work to make my leg strong enough.

"We are doing a good job and I'm feeling nothing bad in my leg. I have been able to play 90 minutes in the last four games so I'm really happy with the progression.

"Maybe I'll have to do this all season.

"One of the reasons I'm working really hard is because I know in this situation Liverpool need every player fit."

Torres admits his frustration at the injury problems which have disrupted his Liverpool career for the last 18 months.

He added: "It's frustrating because I've never been injured before - not at Atletico and only one small one during my first season here.

"The last two seasons have been the first time I've had consecutive injuries.

"Always when the team is not in the best moment it's frustrating if you can't help your teammates. It's really hard watching the games from the stands.

"I'm not old but I'm not that young, so I need to look after myself with extra work. I know I have to work harder in order to play three games a week until the end of my career. I need to work harder than before."

Torres also paid tribute to the medical team at Melwood for helping him through a difficult spell.

He said: "They have helped me a lot. They are the professionals and know what they have to do. It's thanks to them that I can keep playing. I can play every game now.

"Without their help maybe I'd not be playing, so thanks to all the physios and medical staff."

Author: Jimmy Rice