Fernando Torres could be on way out

Chelsea fans turned on Fernando Torres for the first time during the Capital One (League) Cup semi-final first leg defeat by Swansea City and the vultures are starting to circle above the misfiring Spain striker's head.

Torres has had his share of trials and tribulations since joining the Londoners from Liverpool for a British record fee of 50 million pounds ($80.53 million) in January 2011.

He has failed to reproduce the form that netted him 81 goals in 142 games for Liverpool, including 33 in his first season, but the Stamford Bridge faithful never wavered in their support until now.

Chelsea's new striker Demba Ba, signed from Newcastle United last week, hit two goals on his debut in a 5-1 FA Cup third-round win over Southampton on Saturday and the crowd repeatedly sang his name during Wednesday's 2-0 defeat by Swansea.

"We want Demba Ba," the fans chanted before interim manager Rafael Benitez finally relented and introduced the Senegal international in the 81st minute to replace the beleaguered Torres.

"Torres was poor," former Ireland and Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino told Sky Sports News on Thursday. "As the game wore on he looked like a guy who had run out of confidence.

"He looks like he's playing with a bit of fear in his game and you can't have that."

Torres has cut a forlorn figure for much of his time at Chelsea and has suffered long spells without a goal.

The fans were happy to back him because he continually showed a willingness to fight and scrap for the team despite his lack of goals.

AMAZING FANS

This time last year Torres said he was desperate to repay the crowd for their unstinting support during the worst spell of his career.

"Since I joined Chelsea the fans have been amazing to me," he explained. "It has been very important to have the fans behind me.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Mayweather too hot

IPL 2013: It's going to be tough game against Punjab, says Daniel Vettori

IPL 2013: Ajinkya Rahane, Rahul Dravid fashion Rajasthan Royals' win

IPL 2013: A forgettable 'hat-trick' for Kieron Pollard