Di Matteo’s faith in Torres is well justified

Chelsea 2 Newcastle 0

Reduced to a minor walk-on part while Didier Drogba revelled in the role of hero. Torres was given a painful reminder of his place in the Stamford Bridge pecking order. Eighteen months after his £50m move from Liverpool he had failed to dislodge the Ivorian from his position as the team’s principal striker – its match-winner – and a career that once promised so much had emphatically stalled.

That night, as his team-mates revelled in their achievement at finally landing European football’s greatest prize, Torres held court before a group of Spanish journalists – he has long since stopped engaging with the Chelsea regulars – and articulated his frustration. Complaining at his treatment over the previous 12 months that culminated in him being overlooked for the penalty shoot-out.

It was a personal low nestled amongst a collective high and it took the intervention of Roberto Di Matteo to convince the player his future was bright. Three league games into the new season and the manager’s faith has been justified.

“I spoke to Fernando on the plane coming back from Munich and told him I thought he was part of the future of this club,” said Di Matteo.

“Understandably there’s frustration when you don’t start such a big game but ultimately we had a big success and everybody – the ones who were suspended as well – were involved in that success not just the ones who started the final.

”I like to communicate with the players and keep those communication lines open. Players thrive on confidence and for strikers it’s important to score. At the moment, he’s providing and scoring.”

Torres clearly heard what he wanted to hear and the subsequent departure of Drogba to China cleared the path for him to fully establish himself. It’s early days, but the signs are positive.

On Saturday against Newcastle, it was easy to imagine Torres in the red of Spain and Liverpool when he was at his marauding best before injuries and self-doubt struck. An explosive burst into the Newcastle area won the penalty, converted by the excellent Eden Hazard before the two combined again, this time Hazard setting up his team-mate for a second goal that was executed with a ruthless flourish.

It was the forward’s second goal in two games. It may be too soon to suggest the dark days are completely gone but the signs couldn’t be more positive.

“I was always very happy with Fernando,” Di Matteo added.

“Towards the back end of last season he was fantastic. Maybe not scoring but being a provider and even when that doesn’t happen he works very hard for the team. He’s a great team player. “He’s certainly come back in good shape, full of confidence. He had a terrific season last season. He won two international trophies, the FA Cup, the Golden Boot and he’s showing all his qualities.”

Torres seems to agree, emphasising the benefits of playing with a talent like Hazard and in a team that is transforming rapidly, shedding it’s tendency to bludgeon in favour of a intricate attacking style.

“The confidence is back because I’m playing more,” he said.

“When you play you have more confidence and with the new players we have signed the team is playing more and more attacking.”

Friday’s European Super Cup followed by the international break means it will be three weeks before Chelsea return to league action but they could not have done anymore than win their three league games before signing off.

Newcastle will welcome the early return to league duty next Sunday at home to Aston Villa after taking too long to recover from their Thursday night Europa League trip to Greece. Fatigue appeared to affect their first half display although Hatem Ben Arfa was excellent throughout offering a counterbalance to Chelsea’s Hazard.

The France international will be a key player if Newcastle are to improve on last season’s fifth placed finish, a task Alan Pardew admits will be challenging. “I think we are realistic about where we think we are,” said theNewcastle manager.

“I think we are in that group with Tottenham, Everton, Liverpool. We are in that group. But whether we can reach the dizzy heights of Man City, Man United, Chelsea where they are now, it’s going to be tough. But you’ve got to believe you can.”

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech 7; Ivanovic 7, Luiz 7, Cahill 7, Cole 7; Mikel 7, Meireles 6 (Lampard 88,6); Hazard 8, Mata 7 (Ramires 67,6), Bertrand 7; Torres 9.

Newcastle (4-3-3): Krul 7; Simpson 5 (R Taylor 64,6), Coloccini 6, Steven Taylor 6, Santon 6 (Marveaux 74,6); Cabaye 6 (Perch 77,6), Anita 6, Gutierrez 5; Ben Arfa 8; Ba 6, Cisse 5.

Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire) Attendance: 41,718