Source: Liverpool_Echo
Rafa Benitez hails Fernando Torres contribution in Liverpool FC’s win over Lille
Multimedia Background image for 'Rafa Benitez looks ahead to Liverpool FC's crucial Premier League visit to Manchester City'[LNB]RAFAEL BENITEZ hailed another match-winning performance from Fernando Torres - then wished the striker was only 50% fit![LNB]Asked to quantify Torres's match fitness in percentage terms after last night's two-goal show, Benitez joked: 'I wish I could say 50%![LNB]'But really, he is close to his best. It is a question of playing games. If he can rest and play games he is very close now.[LNB]'Torres was working very hard with the physios and fitness coaches and they have done a fantastic job. You can see now that Fernando is very fit but I still think he can improve. The difference when he and Gerrard are playing well means the team plays better too.'[LNB]After Liverpool overturned a first-leg deficit to win on aggregate for the first time since they defeated Auxerre, in 1992, Benitez was asked if his side could go on to win the Europa League.[LNB]He said: 'I think we have enough confidence but in the Premier League I always say one game at a time, and I will say the same in this competition too.[LNB]'The players have confidence which makes it easy for me and easy for them.'[LNB]Benitez refused to elaborate on Albert Riera's suspension.
