Chelsea have ordered Fernando Torres to explain himself after reports in the Spanish media suggested that the striker had criticised his team-mates.

The 27-year-old is thought to have told a Spanish website that many of the current Chelsea players are ‘very slow’, particularly the older members of the squad.

Torres has of course denied that this is what he said, pointing out that the interview had been translated incorrectly and that he would never criticse members of his own team.

Despite this, Chelsea have asked for an explanation from Torres as they look to get to the bottom of the situation.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas said: “We are going in-depth to regain the tape of that interview. We’ll see if things play exactly as they are in that interview.”

One thing for sure is that this is unwelcome publicity for Chelsea during an important week that sees them get their Champions League campaign underway against Bayer Leverkusen.

As for what Villas-Boas’ actions would be if it was proved that Torres did say that the current Chelsea side ‘play very slow’, the Portuguese insists that the matter would be dealt with internally.

He said: “If it was unauthorised, I’d fine him, of course. Anyhow, it’s one player’s perspective. I don’t think it’s a perspective that the manager shares. I don’t have to share my players’ ideas sometimes.”

“I think we have competence, apart from the ‘age problem’, which for me is not a problem. Maybe we just have to speak about that situation and he has to see our view as well.”

Overall, this is the latest twist in what has been an extremely frustrating time for Torres since joining from Liverpool in January. The Spaniard has only scored once in 18 games and has failed to find the back of the net so far this term.

He was even dropped for Daniel Sturridge at the weekend and the England striker made the most of his opportunity with a goal in the 2-1 victory at Sunderland.

Torres certainly has a lot to do to prove to Villas-Boas he is worthy of a starting place at the moment and it isn’t all to do with his performances on the pitch.

It might only be a matter of time before the Chelsea fans start getting on his back too, especially if these comments regarding the current team turn out to be true.