Source: PA
Hodgson stands by Torres
Roy Hodgson insists Fernando Torres' crisis of confidence has not returned after the striker's killer instinct appeared to desert him in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat at Tottenham.
Torres twice hesitated when clean through either side of half-time while the visitors were leading at White Hart Lane in the Barclays Premier League.
That allowed Sebastien Bassong to snuff out the danger and keep Spurs in a game that was in danger of slipping away from them.
Hodgson admitted last month that Torres was mentally "a bit low" following an injury-hit spell and a poor World Cup.
He looked back to his best in Liverpool's victory over Chelsea but has now drawn a blank in his last three matches.
"I think 'crisis of confidence' may be too strong," said Hodgson after Torres' display. "I was pleased with Fernando Torres. Fernando himself, because he sets very high standards, will be disappointed he didn't take on of the goal chances which his good play - to be fair - created."
