Why Ancelotti needs to stand up to his boss and drop Fernando Torres

By Mark Lawrenson

Published 08:00 09/04/11

• 

Carlo Ancelotti worked at AC Milan under the demanding Silvio Berlusconi for the best part of eight years.

As a result, we were told he was a strong man. But, if that’s the case, then surely it’s time for the Italian boss to stand up for himself and drop ­Fernando Torres.

There is simply no way you can pick the Spaniard on current form for the return leg in the Champions League at Manchester United.

If Ancelotti is going to be sacked if Chelsea go out of the tournament then why not go out all guns blazing and drop the owner’s £50million striker?

Roman Abramovich paid the money but he also fires managers and so it’s up to Ancelotti.

But no one in the ground on Wednesday – apart from Ancelotti – believed Didier Drogba rather than Torres should have been taken off.

So either we’re all blind or Ancelotti has not got free reign either in his own mind or otherwise to make team ­selections.

Torres is simply not the player he was. It’s gone on far too long to be a blip. Something is badly wrong. And it’s become an embarrassment.

***

Tottenham fans need to take a reality check.

Even if Spurs finish fifth and go out of the Champions League this week, remember that you were fighting for survival when Harry Redknapp took charge.

Catch yourselves for a moment.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!