With four days remaining of Atletico’s British Tour Fernando Toores gave a positive evaluation to the series of friendlies- in which he has scored two goals- and expressed his excitement in the build up to the start of La Liga. The red-and-white skipper described how he felt the team had progressed through the pre-season, commenting that “the work and the results have been very important. We’re all working hard here. The team looks very concentrated.” He also admitted that he was in good form in front of goal. “Goalscorers go through phases, good spells and bad spells. I’m happy with the goals I’ve scored here in England.” He also admitted that the squad were tired after the Middlesborough game. “We’re getting into the rhythm bit by bit and it’s normal that you see a bit of fatigue at this stage of the pre-season.”

Coming to the performance of the recent signings, Torres didn’t hesitate to praise his new team-mates: “Petrov, Maxi and Kezman are all first-class players. We’ve got a strong squad and we all have to fight for a place in the starting line-up. Petrov and Maxi are players who can turn a game on its head in an instant and are goalscorers besides. They each put in a good four or five quality centres per game.” He also opined that the squad is complete though without closing the door to any possible last-minute transfers. “The team looks like the finished article and it’s a long time since we’ve been able to say that. This year things are being done correctly and if they think a new player should come in he’ll be welcomed.”

With respect to the new season the captain expressed his excitement, but made clear that nobody is guaranteed a first team place. “There are always expectations. All the players have a lot of desire. The boss has got a chance in Europe. We’ve got two quality players for each position. It’s a long season and we’ve got a well balanced squad for both League and Cup. With the new boss the best player for the position will play, never mind what his name is.”

According to the red-and-white number nine, Carlos Bianchi, the ‘Viceroy’ achieves a special chemistry in his relationship with the forward players- Torres has been spotted chatting with Bianchi on numerous occasions. “He’s very approachable and is close with his players. The boss used to be a goalscoring centre-forward, and so he speaks more to the strikers.”

Finally the kid from Fuenlabrada sent out a message from the players regarding commitment to the season’s objectives. “Atlético has to keep on fighting for a European place and there’s a lot of excitement and desire to make it to the top.”


Photo: J. A. Sirvent