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So much of the decision-making process surrounding the Chelsea manager's job seems to have centred on the enigma that is Fernando Torres.

There is an argument to suggest that Roberto Di Matteo's unfortunate departure was massively influenced by the form of the striker...and if I were Nando, then I think that means it's time to take a long hard look at himself in the mirror.

Let's not hide from the fact, he is not the player right now he was in 2010. The Chelsea version of Fernando Torres is not the same striker who played at Liverpool.

Why? Well it has always seemed to be somebody else's fault. Fernando doesn't look as if he's even enjoying what he's doing any more, and I think he's got to look hard at himself for the reasons why.

From what I've seen, people have tried to help him, he's had the support and he's had the backing. Everybody else seems to be trying to help him, but in football there comes a time when you have to help yourself.

It can't always be somebody else's fault. Torres had an amazing talent at Liverpool and I believe he's a much better player than he has shown at Chelsea. If it's still there, then ultimately he's the only one who can find it.

Yes, there are other factors in his amazing form at Anfield. I've no doubt Rafa Benitez played a huge part in the success he had at Liverpool, and so did a guy called Steven Gerrard, who offered the incredible supply Torres could thrive on.

Even though Fernando had already made the decision to leave by the time I arrived back as manager of Liverpool, I knew him well, after meeting him several times. I had a dinner with him that was filmed by Spanish TV, with Michael Robinson, Graeme Souness, wee Sammy Lee and I think Jockey Hansen.

He was such a nice kid, so respectful and humble towards the history and tradition of Liverpool, and even when he left he showed the same respect, so I don't know what happened with him at Chelsea where he seems so out of love with the game.

I think it could be mental with him. It doesn't matter how talented you are, when your confidence is shot you're not the same player.

The good news for him, is Rafa is the perfect manager to squeeze the best out of him. He's the man who had the faith to bring him to the Premier League, and for me he is a great appointment for Chelsea - the best qualified of anyone available.]

I feel for Roberto Di Matteo because he achieved something incredible in winning the Champions' League and FA Cup, but maybe it was time for him to go, and if so, then the arrival of Benitez has to be the moment of truth for Fernando Torres.

The silly season just got sillier

(Image: Chris Brunskill)

It's been a hell of a week for managers. There's no let up is there? With Mark Hughes - who's a good person on and off the pitch - I really don't know why it didn't work out, because he got the support from his owner.

I would say this though, Friday is a ridiculous time to sack a manager. Who's doing the preparation now, who is going to take charge of the team in what is a massively important game for a side rooted at the foot of the table?

It's not as if QPR have a load of points to play with, is it? Games are running out for them aren't they, so why the hell the take risk of writing off another three points? If they are going to make a decision, then be bold with it, make the damn decision.

It's a really strange decision to say your new manager isn't coming in until Monday. I don't even know what's happening with Hughes' staff...and I'll warrant they don't know either, which doesn't make any sense at all.

What the whole week shows is how tough it is to be a manager. There is no respite, no relief from the expectation, and it seems these days no real time to build towards anything, as I discovered myself.

Mark knows though, that the defeat at Reading was maybe a defeat too far for him, because of what it meant at the bottom. Under him, they looked at good side at times, they beat us last season and troubled a lot of the top teams, so I don't know why it didn't work out.

Hillsborough inquest MUST be brought forward

(Image: Phil Spencer)

I see the petition to speed up a new inquest in the death of Kevin Williams and other Hillsborough victims has now passed the 100,000 mark, and can automatically trigger a parliamentary debate.

I would urge the Prime Minister and all MPs, if they have any humanity at all, then please look into their hearts and try to urge the Attourney General Dominic Grieve to bring forward the inquest.

It is the least Anne Williams deserves. She has campaigned tirelessly to discover the truth about her son, and now she is terminally ill, this incredible woman has the right to the respect of parliament - of our country - in honouring her courage, by knowing the truth before she dies.

When the Prime Minister made his speech in the House on the Hillsborough findings, it seemed heartfelt and genuine, and I have one thing to say to him - prove it was by ensuring the inquest is brought forward for Anne's sake.

Kenny Dalglish writes for the Daily Mirror in association with The Football Pools: the world’s oldest and most popular football gaming company which celebrates 90 Years this season.

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