Gerrard: we are better off without Torres

Torres joined Chelsea in a £50m deal (GETTY IMAGES)

Steven Gerrard has said that Liverpool are in a stronger position after selling Fernando Torres in January. Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll joined to replace the Spaniard, and the Liverpool captain believes that the quality and variety of the club's forwards is better now than it was last year.

The individual ability of Suarez earned praise from the Liverpool captain, and Gerrard suggested that he was as good as the man he replaced. "Suarez has only played a few games but we know he will be a top player," Gerrard said. "Training and playing with him in his first few games he has been strong and technically good, but Fernando in his first year with us was frightening as well."

With Carroll also in the ranks, Gerrard claimed that the club's options are better than they were before. "I think Liverpool are in a better position having two top forwards instead of one," he argued. "I enjoyed playing behind Fernando but if you said I could have Fernando on form or Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez on form, I would take the two over one."

Gerrard revealed the players were disappointed by Torres' departure. "We felt slightly let down; like the supporters we wanted him to stay as he is a top player," he said. "But he made his decision and we have to respect that."

The decision to remove Roy Hodgson was also endorsed by Gerrard. "When the Liverpool fans turn against you, you have to listen," he said. "They are Liverpool Football Club."