Source: Daily_Mail
Kenny Dalglish plays down Fernando Torres factor in Liverpool victory over Chelsea
Kenny Dalglish said the presence of Fernando Torres in the Chelsea side defeated 1-0 by Liverpool provided no extra incentive for the striker's former team-mates.[LNB] Raul Meireles struck after 68 minutes to seal a memorable victory, Liverpool's fourth in a row, and down the club that last week prised former Anfield icon Torres from the club in a British transfer record ?50million deal.[LNB]The Spaniard's Blues debut was amiserable affair, comprising 66 disappointing minutes and no end oftorment from the away supporters.[LNB] Feeling blue: Torres' only real chance to mark his Chelsea debut with a goal was denied by Liverpool defender Carragher[LNB] But Dalglish insisted there was no additional motivation in the game beyond the lure of three Barclays Premier League points.[LNB] 'The players approached it professionally,' he said. 'I don't think (Torres' presence) was any incentive.[LNB] 'The incentive for us was to get three points and we did. Whatever someone else wants to do with their life is up to them.[LNB] 'I came here to win three pointsand it would have made no difference if Carlo Ancelotti was playing upfront, I'd still want the three points. The personnel of the oppositionis not important to me.'[LNB] He added: 'To be honest, he had oneshot on target and Jamie Carragher made one great block tackle on him,but I'm not here to talk about other people's players, I'm here to talkabout my own players.'[LNB]It was notable that while Chelseadrew a blank with a front three comprising star men Didier Drogba,Nicolas Anelka and Torres, Liverpool won without both of the mencharged with replacing 'El Nino'.[LNB] Sign of the times: Liverpool fans let Torres know just how they feel about him[LNB]Record-breaking ?35million signing Andy Carroll is still some way short of match fitness and fellow newcomer Luis Suarez was an unused substitute despite scoring on his debut in midweek.[LNB]That left the dependable Dirk Kuyt in a lone striking role, ably supported by the superb Meireles and captain Steven Gerrard, who provided the cross for the winning goal.[LNB]'The players were fantastic in their determination to win this match,' said Dalglish.[LNB]'As this football club has always said, the most important people are the people who are at Liverpool Football Club and that is the way it will always be.[LNB]'We have signed two fantastic players in Suarez and Carroll and we're looking forward to seeing them - if they can get in the team that is. With the way we played today that won't be easy.'[LNB]The result thrust Liverpool back in to the top six and reignited their bid for the Champions League berth that looked lost at Christmas.[LNB]That recent upsurge in fortunes has done Dalglish's chances of turning his short-term job into a more permanent one but the Scot was quick to play down such talk.[LNB]'I'm only doing what I said I would come in and do, which is help,' he said.[LNB]'I'll never stand in the way of progress at this football club. I have never had a conversation with the owners beyond the conversation I had when I came in.[LNB]'That's where we stand at the moment and until there is more to discuss - that is where we are.'[LNB] Chelsea 0 Liverpool 1: Meireles the man as Reds ruin Torres' big day at Stamford BridgeCarragher calls for his 'hero' Dalglish to be made permanent Liverpool bossKenny Dalglish: Rooney finished as an England player? You must be kidding[LNB] [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Jamie Carragher, Didier Drogba, Andy Carroll, Kenny Dalglish, Dirk Kuyt, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Steven Gerrard, Carlo Ancelotti Places: Liverpool Organisations: Liverpool Football Club
