Players as much to blame as Aragones: Torres
(AFP)
Updated: 2006-10-10 15:09 MADRID - Spanish international
striker Fernando Torres has claimed that the players are as culpable as coach
Luis Aragones for their country's dismal start to Euro 2008 qualifying.
Spain have lost two of their opening three Group F Euro qualifiers, including
a humiliating 3-2 loss at tiny Northern Ireland last month.
All of which has put coach Aragones in the media firing line, with many
calling for his head.
But Torres believes the blame should be shared.
"In a team we are all responsible, the coach and the players," said the
Atletico Madrid star Monday, rumoured to still be touted by English Premiership
giants Manchester United.
Torres was speaking at a press conference in Pacheco in the south east of the
country ahead of a friendly against Argentina on Wednesday.
"We're all in the same group and the mistakes have to be shared out equally,"
he added.
"Aragones knows he can come through this test and I am certain that the more
he is criticised the more determined he will be to stay on and fight.
"He told us he has the desire and he feels strong."
Torres also revealed that the under-fire Aragones still has the backing of
Spanish federation president Angel Maria Villar.
Aragones has been in charge of Spain since 2004 but has endured a turbulent
reign.
He was roundly criticised last year for allegedly making racists remarks
about Thierry Henry before a match against France and Spain were dumped out of
the World Cup in Germany at the second round stage, also against France.
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