16.9.13

Bench-warmer Torres says striker rivalry with Eto'o is not turning bitter

Fernando Torres is in direct competition with Samuel Eto'o at Chelsea but the Spaniard insists their rivalry does not stop them being friends.

The arrival of Eto'o at Stamford Bridge has pushed Torres down the strikers' roster and that was evident as the Cameroon international lead Jose Mourinho's attack against Everton on Saturday.

Demba Ba is third in the pecking order but Torres insists the competition is only having a positive impact on morale.
Benchwarmer: Jose Mourinho issues instructions to striker Fernando Torres before bringing him on as a substitute against Everton
Benchwarmer: Jose Mourinho issues instructions to striker Fernando Torres before bringing him on as a
substitute against Everton

Newcomer: Samuel Eto'o's arrival at Stamford Bridge has increased the pressure on Fernando Torres
Newcomer: Samuel Eto'o's arrival at Stamford Bridge has increased the pressure on Fernando Torres

'There is now more competition up front but Demba, Samuel and me are not enemies, we are friends. We are team-mates and are fighting for the same targets. I think it’s really good for the team,' Torres told the Evening Standard.

'Eto’o is one of the best strikers I have ever seen. I played against him in Spain many times and you can see the record he had there with Real Mallorca and Barcelona, as well as in Inter.

'I am sure he is going to really enjoy this period of his career with Chelsea. He is training really well, I wish him all the best and will help him in every way that I can.'

Eto'o had a debut to forget in the 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park - Jose Mourinho's first loss in his second spell at the club - and looked a shadow of the player who had successful spells at Barcelona and Inter Milan.

The former Anzhi man played the full game and Torres was introduced as a substitute in the 69th minute.
Outcast: Demba Ba has fallen out of favour since Mourinho's second coming at Stamford Bridge
Outcast: Demba Ba has fallen out of favour since Mourinho's second coming at Stamford Bridge

Decisions: Mourinho is still working out his best attack since his return to Chelsea from Real Madrid

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