LIVERPOOL CAN WIN PREMIER LEAGUE THIS SEASON- RIISE

The former Reds full-back believes that his former club can mount a genuine fight for the championship and revealed his admiration for manager Jurgen Klopp

Former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise believes that the Reds are genuine title contenders under Jurgen Klopp.Four consecutive league wins have lifted Liverpool into fourth place in the Premier League standings, just two points behind leaders Manchester City.

And although Riise believes that Pep Guardiola’s side will eventually lift the trophy, he insists that Jurgen Klopp’s men will run the Etihad club close.

“I think Liverpool will be there to challenge,” Riise told Goal. “but I think City are too strong. Surely, though, next year they’ll challenge, but also this year.

“They also had a difficult set of games to start. But they had a good start. Now City lost to Tottenham, so it’s close.

“If you had asked me before the season, I’d have said no. Because this squad needed one more year,”

“Good thing about this season is that Liverpool don’t have many games. They only have the Premier League and the domestic cups. It’s going to be a big advantage for them.”

Riise has also shared his admiration for Reds boss Klopp, believing the German’s philosophy to be the key to the club’s success.

“I love him,” Riise added. “He’s passionate, the way he likes to show emotions on the pitch, with the players when they’re scoring, with the fans.

“And his style. He likes to have this high pressing tempo and because this season Liverpool will play less games than normal, I think it’s going to work out for him.”