Chelsea yesterday were seeking an explanation from Spanish forward Fernando Torres regarding an interview in which he appeared to criticise team-mates.

In an interview to the Spanish media Torres said that Chelsea’s older players were “very slow” while in contrast praising the signing of compatriot Juan Mata.

Coach Andre Villas-Boas has asked the out-of-form striker for an explanation, although Torres is understood to have claimed what he said was not accurately translated on his website.

Chelsea are hoping to unearth the original with Villas-Boas saying: “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.”