Was at the Luton game the other night and heard a lot of people slagging the lad big time.
Now I don't know whether this is a bit of a Kopout or whether Rafa has instructed him to sit back a bit but it would maybe explain why some people still think he's wearing his spoon shaped xmas slippers every time he plays lately.
From the Offal.
The usually prolific full-back has yet to find the net this season, something he puts down to a change in emphasis on the training ground.
Riise, who has scored 31 goals in his time at Anfield, has been told to focus first and foremost on his defending.
"I think I put all the pressure on myself because this is my seventh season.
"People are expecting me to score some cracking goals but this year I am focusing on my defending and I want to do the best as a defender.
"I know I am now 90 per cent a defender but then if I score, happy days.
"I want to be a good defender and I am working on it on the training pitch. I am trying to improve and the manager tells me to focus more on the defence.
"I am just trying to show the fans and the manager I am a good defender. I am a left back and I want to defend well for my side."
Riise admits he hasn't always hit the peaks of previous campaigns this term.
The 27-year-old knows this inevitably leads to transfer rumours but is adamant he sees his future at Anfield.
"It has been a weird season for me, I have played some good games and then some not at my level," he said.
"When we get to the transfer window all the rumours start going around. It is mainly because people know I have one-and-a-half years left on my contract.
"The fans know that I am very happy here. Hopefully the club will give me a new contract so that I can stay in Liverpool for many years.
"I am in the mood to play my best football and enjoy playing. I will do my best in the second part of the season."
Has he improved as a defender then?
Now I don't know whether this is a bit of a Kopout or whether Rafa has instructed him to sit back a bit but it would maybe explain why some people still think he's wearing his spoon shaped xmas slippers every time he plays lately.
From the Offal.
The usually prolific full-back has yet to find the net this season, something he puts down to a change in emphasis on the training ground.
Riise, who has scored 31 goals in his time at Anfield, has been told to focus first and foremost on his defending.
"I think I put all the pressure on myself because this is my seventh season.
"People are expecting me to score some cracking goals but this year I am focusing on my defending and I want to do the best as a defender.
"I know I am now 90 per cent a defender but then if I score, happy days.
"I want to be a good defender and I am working on it on the training pitch. I am trying to improve and the manager tells me to focus more on the defence.
"I am just trying to show the fans and the manager I am a good defender. I am a left back and I want to defend well for my side."
Riise admits he hasn't always hit the peaks of previous campaigns this term.
The 27-year-old knows this inevitably leads to transfer rumours but is adamant he sees his future at Anfield.
"It has been a weird season for me, I have played some good games and then some not at my level," he said.
"When we get to the transfer window all the rumours start going around. It is mainly because people know I have one-and-a-half years left on my contract.
"The fans know that I am very happy here. Hopefully the club will give me a new contract so that I can stay in Liverpool for many years.
"I am in the mood to play my best football and enjoy playing. I will do my best in the second part of the season."
Has he improved as a defender then?
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