Europe's media were witness to Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti THROTTLING Fernando Torres in training yesterday.
It was, of course, all done in good fun as Ancelotti exchanged friendly banter with the Spaniard.
Explaining the exchange, Ancelotti said: "I would like to maintain a good atmosphere on the pitch, in training.
"My players know very well when they have to be serious on the pitch and when it can be fun."
Ancelotti continued to back Torres, who has now gone 10 matches for club and country without scoring and nine since his £50million move to Stamford Bridge.
"Criticism is not in Chelsea. It's outside Chelsea," he said.
"We have seen Torres play well for the team.
"He didn't score, obviously. He's not happy for this reason, but he played well for the team.
"I hope he plays the same tomorrow - for the team."
Ancelotti denied Torres' price tag put pressure on him to start the Spaniard, saying: "I already decided and I never had the pressure to choose the line-up."
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