Liverpool Football Club News

• Nickname:Reds
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Kenny Dalglish

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Rafa forced into Torres action

24 Sep 2008 - 10:10:38

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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted that he was forced to bring on star striker Fernando Torres to ensure victory at home to Crewe Alexandra in the third round of the Carling Cup.

The Reds eventually edged home 2-1 at Anfield, with Benitez having been concerned that a shock was on the cards late on.

He told the Daily Post: "It was a little too close for comfort in the end. As always in these kind of games, if you don't kill the game off then the opposition keep going.

"We were a little bit nervous towards the end, but we had enough chances to score the third goal. That's why I brought Torres on, to try and score the third goal.

"Every competition is important to us. We knew they'd have to go forward and have to leave more space at the back looking for the equaliser and you could see Torres is a player who can finish the game.

"I just wanted to give Torres a run-out. I was going to do the same with Robbie Keane, but Philipp Degen had a problem and I had to bring Jamie Carragher on instead."