Rafa defends decision to replace ‘exhausted’ Torres

LIVERPOOL manager Rafael Benitez last night defended his decision to substitute Fernando Torres in the 1-1 draw with Birmingham, claiming the striker was “exhausted”.

Benitez replaced his fellow Spaniard midway through the second half, even though the player looked disappointed with the decision to replace him with David Ngog.

Benitez said: “Was Torres injured? No, he was exhausted.