Hodgson defends decision to keep Torres in reserve

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson has defended his decision to keep star striker Fernando Torres on the bench for last night’s Europa League clash with FC Utrecht.

Hodgson had initially planned to play Torres for 45 minutes against the Dutch side, but was persuaded otherwise by the club’s medical staff.

Liverpool played out a dull goalless draw at Anfield last night, but as they had already qualified for the last 32 of the competition, the game was a pretty meaningless encounter, but Hodgson still felt it important to send out a decent side.

“To be honest, one of the reasons we put Fernando on the bench was because we didn’t have anyone else because they had all gone with the youth team,” admitted Hodgson.

“Anyway, I wanted those players on the bench because I’ve not asked a lot of those players; the likes of Raul Meireles, Glen Johnson, Torres and Steven Gerrard.

“We have played these (Europa League) matches and I’ve not asked them to come with us but for the home games we have tried to involve them a lot more.

“I think it is important. We are a squad of players. It is important for Joe Cole, Milan Jovanovic, and Fabio Aurelio (who all started last night) that there are people around.

“If you say all the time ’You lads don’t have to be there’ you start dividing the squad.

“I don’t think it was wrong to have the people around there but I always went into the game thinking I would only use them if it was absolutely necessary.”

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina was omitted from the squad entirely despite originally expressing an interest in playing, but Hodgson admitted that the Spanish international was happy to give reserve ‘keeper Brad Jones an opportunity to shine.

“He helped me because he did say, after the Steaua game, he would give Brad Jones a chance,” said Hodgson.

“Then we found out the Australia national coach was coming to the game so it was not difficult with him because he realised it was a chance for Brad.

“The thing about Pepe is he just loves to play and you have to put the brakes on him but he made it very easy for us.”