Atletico de Madrid vs Levante preview - Simeone: Torres not the saviour

Posted Friday, January 02, 2015 by PA

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone does not view Fernando Torres as a "saviour" following his return to the Primera Division club but believes he will give the team a new depth.

Torres returned to the club where he began his career on loan from AC Milan at the end of December, only two days after making his move to Milan from Chelsea permanent.

The Spain international's arrival at the Vicente Calderon comes ahead of their match against Levante, where Atletico will be aiming to close the gap on leaders Real Madrid and second-placed Barcelona.

"The characteristics of Fernando can help the team," Simeone told AS.com.

"It is an important arrival at a good time for him because there is a working group, which has come together after several years working together.

"We hope he will give us a hand with all his enthusiasm, talent and passion. He will have to struggle to compete with (Antoine) Griezmann, (Mario) Mandzukic, Raul Jimenez."

Atletico begin the new year four points adrift of neighbours Real Madrid and Simeone believes Torres could help them to close that gap.

"Fernando Torres will give us depth in the attack," the Argentinian said.

"In football, as in politics and religion, opinions are very different. People can talk and Fernando does not come as a saviour.

"I have no trouble with his arrival. It will benefit the team."

Levante approach the game just two points clear of the bottom three and without a win in their last six games in all competitions.

David Navarro misses out for Levante after accumulating too many yellow cards while Ruben Garcia has a fever.