“Very Impressed.” – John Arne Riise Talks Up Liverpool Chances And Pinpoints Key ‘Worry’ | OneFootball

By Conor McLarnon

Ex-Liverpool defender John Arne Rise has praised the sudden impact of new Reds boss Arne Slot and believes his former side has what it takes to win both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Norwegian is no stranger to European success having won it in Istanbul twenty years ago under former boss Rafa Benitez who arguably managed to get the best out of him across his experienced career.

Riise provided an assist for Liverpool’s first goal of that miraculous night in Istanbul and will go down in folklore for his part in what remains the greatest one-night comeback in history.

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Talking to WhoScored, Rise discussed the transition from Klopp’s management to Slot’s management and his assessment of how the Reds have got on this season.

He said: “I’m very impressed, I didn’t expect them to do that well with a new manager coming in with new ideas. Both the manager and the players look rock solid, controlling every game. Very impressed, and as a Liverpool fan, very happy.”

Going on further to discuss the smaller technical aspects that have differed greatly from Klopp’s system, Riise, again, was full of praise…“I think it’s impressive how Arne Slot has changed the team and put calmness when they are in possession and when they win the ball. Yes, they can go quickly forward but they are also controlling the ball and keeping possession. How quickly he (Arne) managed to switch the players to his style of play is very impressive.”

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Riise discussed Liverpool’s chances of lifting the Champions League trophy come May, with the Reds cruising to the last 16 with ease and awaiting their opposition.

He believes Liverpool have a worthy squad that can balance the commitments of a league cup final, Champions League ties and the final push for a 20th league title.

He said: “This is the easiest question of the day. I’ll obviously back Liverpool (to win the Champions League), especially with how they are looking and playing.

“The big games are always easier to prepare for. If you’re fighting for titles, it’s easier to have the energy to get up for these games. I think it will be a good thing for the team. I do worry if we get some injuries, especially to van Dijk or a couple of other players, then we could be in trouble.”

Expectations are high among the fanbase and Riise himself and the belief that Liverpool could win a monumental double at the end of the season is slowly becoming a reality.

Liverpool legend John Arne Riise on Arne Slot, Champions League hopes & more | WhoScored Exclusive

Redmen Reacts

Undoubtedly Virgil van Dijk remains a pivotal factor in any hoes Liverpool have of achieving something remarkable this season, especially with matches coming thick and fast at the business end of the season.

Plymouth result aside, Slot has used the squad expertly all campaign and if that remains the case then the possibilities appear endless.