Torres: no rift with Aragones

SPAIN striker Fernando Torres has rubbished talk of a rift between himself and coach Luis Aragones as they face into tonight’s clash with Sweden (5pm).

The Liverpool frontman was reportedly unhappy at being substituted after 54 minutes of Spain’s 4-1 win over Russia in their opening game in Group D, but Torres insisted he remains on good terms with Aragones.

“There is no problem,” he said. “I have spoken with the coach. I have not had problems with any coach.”

Fellow frontman Sergio Garcia confirmed team spirits were high “We are all very united,” he said.

“It does not matter who plays and who does not play; what is important is that we are all united.

“As for Torres, these things pass and there is no annoyance. Everyone likes to play and that is not a problem.”

Victory over the Swedes — who started their Euro 2008 campaign with a 2-0 win over Greece — would all -but guarantee Spain a place in the last eight. And Garcia sees no need for the coach to change the side which performed so well against Russia — even though that would again mean there is no place in the side for him.

He added: “My team-mates did well before Russia and as things went well in that game, then why change?

“It is important the team win against Sweden and take three points to qualify for the final stages of the tournament.”

While Spain’s attacking flair was on full view against Russia, Sweden struggled to break down a stubborn Greece side and had to rely on individual brilliance from Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the opening goal.

Defender Olof Mellberg insists Spain’s impressive start does not mean Sweden will play for a point.

“We need at least five points to qualify. Normally a draw is good against Spain, but with a victory we would be already qualified,” he said.