Fernando Torres insists Liverpool can win without big-money signings
• Torres aware Valencia's David Villa may be too expensive
• Spaniard adamant Liverpool can win silverware next year
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 30 June 2009 00.05 BST Article history
The Liverpool striker Fernando Torres accepts the club's lack of financial muscle means they are unlikely to be able to compete for star signings like his international team-mate David Villa but he believes that will not affect their chances of winning trophies.
Liverpool have been linked with the £40m Valencia forward but it seems he is destined to remain in Spain with Barcelona and Real Madrid vying for his signature. Torres has recommended the Valencia striker and his team-mates David Silva and Juan Mata to the Liverpool manager, Rafael BenÃtez. Torres, though, is aware Liverpool's transfer budget is dwarfed by both the Spanish giants and also Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. Even so the Spaniard is convinced Liverpool can improve on last season's finish of second place in the Premier League.
"I don't know about Liverpool's financial situation but I know we don't have the same money as Manchester United or Chelsea," he said. "We're fighting them with less money every season. That's not a problem for us – we're a strong team and we'll win trophies with money or without it.
"The important thing is we're getting closer to the title. It's been frustrating for me because three years without a trophy for Liverpool is too long. The next one is coming, though – I'm sure of it. I know Rafa is working hard to bring in good players but I'm pretty sure David Villa will be too expensive for us.
"He is an outstanding striker and if Liverpool could sign anyone, I'd ask for him. He's been in sensational form this season. But, to be honest, we have Steven Gerrard playing behind the striker and he scores 20 goals a season, so we don't really need another forward. We just need to keep our best players."
That may be easier said than done as Madrid are reportedly planning to sign Liverpool's midfielder Xabi Alonso and the defender Alvaro Arbeloa, while Barcelona are also keen on signing Javier Mascherano, despite BenÃtez putting a £50m price tag on the Argentina captain.
With Spain's involvement in the Confederations Cup now over BenÃtez plans talks with Alonso about his future. The Liverpool manager is determined to hold on to Alonso and Mascherano and will resist all approaches for them. However, the speculation is a concern for Torres, who signed an improved deal at Anfield at end of last season.
"I worry about losing my team-mates but if we can keep our best players and bring in some more, we'll be even stronger for next season," he said. "It'd be fantastic if we play together for many years because Liverpool are the team with the second-most players in the Spain squad.
"It's important for Spanish players to play in the Premier League and Serie A as it makes us more complete footballers."
