Fernando Torres sets higher strike target for Liverpool FC

Aug 1 2008 by Nick Smith, Liverpool Daily Post

Fernando Torres

FERNANDO TORRES is ready to shrug off fears of a ‘second season syndrome’ – by continuing to be a winner.

The 24-year-old came back to pre-season training with Liverpool this week as a European champion following Spain’s triumph in Austria and Switzerland earlier in the summer.

Torres – who could be paired with his old club Atletico Madrid in today’s Champions League third qualifying round draw – is confident that experience will help him carry on the good work of his debut season in England.

His 24 Premier League goals made him the foreign player with the most strikes in a first season in England’s top flight, beating Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 2002 mark of 23. But he has no qualms about living up to the expectation, saying: “My aim is to score more than last season, that is what I am working towards.

“I, at least, have to aim to equal last year’s figure because it is very important to bring goals to the team.

“Getting my mind back on Liverpool after the European Champ-ionships will not be a problem. All of us Spaniards came back happy, full of confidence, and with a real desire to stay at the top and keep on winning. We want people to continue talking about us. We now have another chance to leave a mark with the Premier League and the Champ-ions League. I am coming into this season with all the desire and hope in the world.”

Torres started all of his country’s Euro 2008 games apart from the dead rubber group match with Greece and his winner in the final against Germany brought Spain their first major trophy for 44 years.

An equally agonising wait for the Premier League continues to hang over his club side as Liverpool go into the campaign making their 19th attempt to win their 19th title.

“Like every season the expectation is huge,” added Torres, who made a 20-minute return to action as a substitute in Wednesday night’s friendly in Villarreal.