Euro hero Torres says Benitez is already 'one of Anfield's greats'

Torres inadvertently found himself at the heart of Benitez's initial fall-out with co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett when a blunt post- Champions League Final demand for more transfer funds led to the Atletico Madrid striker's £26.5million arrival.

He continued to justify such a hefty investment with a two-goal Champions League contribution against Porto on Wednesday, but was quick to hand the credit to Benitez by hailing him as 'more than just a manager'.

There have already been suggestions that three of Liverpool's Spanish- speaking contingent — Javier Mascherano, Pepe Reina and Xabi Alonso — might consider their Anfield futures if Benitez's reign is ended, and there could also be doubts over Torres, judging by his account of how the former Valencia coach has helped him to acclimatise.

In a clear message that Hicks and Gillett would be risking a backlash from players as well as supporters by imposing the ultimate sanction for a series of outbursts against them, the Spain striker revealed the debt he owes Benitez.

Torres said: 'I think he is more than just a manager. He is one of the greats in the club's history. That is how people feel about him and they are happy to show it, just as they did against Porto.

'We all had an idea that he was special here but, honestly, what I saw at Anfield was something else. The atmosphere was amazing. I am so impressed at how much he is loved by the people, above all, and even by the players.

'The great thing for me is that I feel their affection and the support they give my team-mates. With each passing day, I am feeling more a part of things and happier with everything and that is being reflected on the pitch.

'Because of everything that has been going on with Rafa this week, we needed the fans' backing more than ever, and they really got behind us. That sort of support is a gift for us all. It was especially good for Benitez because they showed how much they are behind him.'

Benitez finally admitted there was a problem with Hicks and Gillett, saying yesterday: 'When we played Arsenal on October 28, we had a meeting and it was fantastic. Suddenly, something changed and I don't know why.

'Because we could not speak directly and had to exchange information by email, a misunderstanding developed. But the owners have always shown concern for my happiness so I would hope we can sort this out and fix everything.

'I would hope to speak to the owners before the Manchester United game. I don't know if that is possible but we will try.'

While Torres could hardly have been more effusive, Peter Crouch was less inclined to endorse Benitez, who again left the England striker on the bench against Porto and is ready to listen to offers for him in January.

Crouch's frustration was evident as he pointedly sidestepped questions about the manager's uncertain position.

Finally, he was asked bluntly whether he supported the manager, and the 26-year old striker said only: 'It's not for me to say. What goes on in the boardroom is not our concern. We will keep trying to get results that will keep him safe.

'All we know is what we read. We just have to perform, whatever is going on upstairs. We are not influenced by what is happening to the manager. We can't be. We have to continue winning. That's all we can do.'

Liverpool were struggling for the win they needed to keep alive their qualification hopes until Torres struck for a second time 12 minutes from the end against Porto. Crouch and Steven Gerrard added further goals in a 4-1 win but Jamie Carragher was first to admit Liverpool could have been sunk without Torres' double.

Carragher said: 'He is world class, up there with any other striker. That second goal was such a relief because at 1-1 anything could have happened.

'I'm just glad I only have to mark him in training because his raw pace would cause problems for anyone.

But it's not just pace or the goals he scores that make him what he is. It's the graft he puts in as well.

'He works so hard in every game and puts himself about for the good of the team. Even if he's not on the scoresheet he makes life difficult for defenders and that is what you want from your forwards.'

Liverpool need to win in Marseille on Tuesday week to be certain of progressing, but the French side's defender, Ronald Zubar, said: 'The whole city is waiting for this game and we're determined to give them a night to remember.'