RAFA BENITEZ believes he has rebuilt the mind and body of Fernando Torres and turned him back into the striker he once was.
He has fed him a diet of muscle pumping that would test even Arnie Schwarzenegger.
Like the Terminator star, Torres is ‘back’, claims Benitez, as the pair look forward to a return to their happy Liverpool hunting ground today.
Benitez hopes he will receive cheers – and he doesn’t mind Torres being jeered – as long as he continues his goal-scoring spree.
The Spain No.9 is currently ‘the man in the mask’ – in order to protect a broken nose.
He’s also once more developed a love affair with football, a relationship that seemed on the wane since his £50million move to Chelsea.
Benitez was always the manager most suited to get the best out of his fellow Spaniard. And one of the reasons he was appointed interim manager was to repair the damaged goods.
Benitez said: “He has been training with Paco de Miguel doing a specific plan in the gym, some weights and some exercises – and you can see he’s stronger now.
“He was given a lot of extra gym work and he was keen to do it. When you play two games a week it’s not easy. He also had that specific gym plan when he was with me at Liverpool.
“When he arrived there we started doing little things on this specific work.
“We tried to work on his movement and, when he was scoring goals, he had confidence. (Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez)
“He lost that a bit when he wasn’t scoring but he’s quicker and faster now – and more confident because he’s scoring again.”
Benitez is not sure of his future after his short-term deal with Chelsea finishes – but he is sure Torres will continue his good work.
“I am not concerned he will go when I go,” he said. “He knows what he has to do. He’s a good professional and he understands now what he has to do.
“We fixed little things and he has improved.It’s been difficult for him. Centre-backs got to know him and his game more – but he’s coming back to his top level and his contribution for the team every game is better.”
Benitez refused to show his hand, tactics-wise, for the clash at Anfield or reveal whether Demba Ba would start.
He said: “No. If they play Carragher, Agger or Skrtel, they will know Demba Ba really well and know Fernando in the same way.”
The former Kop chief admits it will be ‘emotional’ returning to Liverpool, where he spent six golden years.
It was a period, though, when he never won the title and he said: “We could talk about that for hours but I want to concentrate on the game on Sunday.
“I don’t want to analyse my time at Anfield. I want to focus on the game.
“I don’t know what I will do after it. It depends if we win or lose. I will see a lot of friends. That’s something I’m sure I’ll have to do.
“It’s my home, my charity is on Merseyside – but I am fine here because I’m training every day, spending 12 hours here in Cobham every day. Do I want to stay at Chelsea? That’s not the point now. I have a contract until the end of the season.”
Benitez insists he must keep his squad focused on the present as they chase third spot in the Premier League and Europa League glory.
He said: “I don’t want to create a situation that might destabilise what is happening right now.
“I’m trying to use common sense. As a professional you know where you are, what you have to do – and you try to do these things.
“I will not have an influence on other aspects. I have had a lot of conversations about football with Roman Abramovich.
“I haven’t had any problems. At the moment we are so close to the end of the season, I have to concentrate on the games that we still have to play.”
Benitez is aware he could be cheered by Liverpool fans and not by Chelsea supporters.
Asked if he was aware what might happen, he said: “I will try to do what is best.
“I am a professional, I will apply common sense and will try to achieve my target – which isto make sure we win the game.”
