Bernard Montgomery, supported by his patron Alan Brooke, took command of the demoralized Eighth Army in August 1942. He immediately planned an attack at El Alamein, believing the best defense was attack. Rommel was suffering from chronic health issues, including high blood pressure and stomach problems, stemming from exhaustion and poor self-care due to his constant presence with the troops. Patton entered the conflict via Operation Torch, but rivalry with Montgomery quickly arose during planning for Operation Husky (Sicily), as neither general was initially impressed with the other.