Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has confirmed that Fernando Torres will start up front when his side face Real Madrid in the first leg of their Copa del Rey last 16 tie on Wednesday.
Torres rejoined Atletico last week from AC Milan seven years after leaving his boyhood club, but had to watch Saturday's 3-1 La Liga win over Levante from the stands as the Italian transfer window didn't open until Monday.
“Torres had been training with Milan. He played 10 games there, he has trained with us for a few days and he will start tomorrow,” Simeone told a press conference on Tuesday.
“If I didn’t think he was strong or had the ability to break down opposition defences I wouldn’t be counting on him.
“He has different characteristics to what we have in the group and he will strengthen our attack.”
Torres admitted as he was presented in front of 45,000 Atletico fans on Sunday that the prospect of coming home was the challenge he needed to reignite a dwindling career.
The 30-year-old failed to live up to expectations following a then British transfer record £50 million (Dh278.1m) move from Liverpool to Chelsea in 2011.
Torres managed 45 goals in 172 games for the London club before an ill-fated loan move to Milan where he managed to find the net just once in 10 appearances.
His inclusion in Simeone’s starting line-up could come at the expense of Atletico’s top goalscorer this season Mario Mandzukic.
The Croatian missed training on Monday and is a doubt for the game, as are Arda Turan, Guilherme Siqueira and Tiago.
Simeone also confirmed that Slovenian Jan Oblak will replace Miguel Moya in goal.
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The specs
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Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 390bhp
Torque: 400Nm
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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
How I connect with my kids when working or travelling
Little notes: My girls often find a letter from me, with a joke, task or some instructions for the afternoon, and saying what I’m excited for when I get home.
Phone call check-in: My kids know that at 3.30pm I’ll be free for a quick chat.
Highs and lows: Instead of a “how was your day?”, at dinner or at bathtime we share three highlights; one thing that didn’t go so well; and something we’re looking forward to.
I start, you next: In the morning, I often start a little Lego project or drawing, and ask them to work on it while I’m gone, then we’ll finish it together.
Bedtime connection: Wake up and sleep time are important moments. A snuggle, some proud words, listening, a story. I can’t be there every night, but I can start the day with them.
Undivided attention: Putting the phone away when I get home often means sitting in the car to send a last email, but leaving it out of sight between home time and bedtime means you can connect properly.
Demystify, don’t demonise your job: Help them understand what you do, where and why. Show them your workplace if you can, then it’s not so abstract when you’re away - they’ll picture you there. Invite them into your “other” world so they know more about the different roles you have.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
