RIISE: WE WANT TO WIN EVERY GAME John Arne Riise has insisted the the Champions League is very important to Liverpool this season and said the Reds want to win every game they are involved in.
While the Norwegian international admits the vast majority of Liverpool supporters would prioritise the Premiership as the main objective this season, he added that the Reds are treating the Champions League as a very important competition. "Of course we know the fans want the league most and we want to be up there challenging the top three as soon as we can," admitted Riise.
"But there's no way we're going to treat the Champions League any less importantly. We're looking at every competition this year in the same way, whether it's the league, the league cup, the FA Cup or Champions League.
"Our focus is to win every game we play and the squad we have now means we can use a very good team in every competition, not just decide one is more important than the other."
The Reds' number six also backed manager Rafael Benitez in his rotation policy and believes it is the right thing to do in a long season.
"People have criticised the use of rotation, but what nobody seems to mention is it's actually working for us," argues Riise.
"I've seen in the papers it's meant to be so long since we kept the same team, but look at what we've done in the last 18 months. How many of those games have we actually lost?
"Rafa has been taking players out, but putting players of the same quality in the team. We understand what he wants from the team, and when you look at quality of players we had on the bench on Saturday, in a game we won 3-0, that's how strong we are now.
"The key is we've now got a lot of players in the squad at the same high level. I don't think this manager sees star players, he just sees everyone in the same way in terms of how hard they work for the team.
"All of us know there are times we'll be rested, and that's just part of the game.
"It's a good thing that none of us know, no matter how well we've played, if we'll start the next match. It keeps us all on our toes."
Riise also added he is happy to be back in action after his injury lay-off and is now hoping for an injury free rest of the campaign.
"The ankle is fine," added Riise. "It felt strong on Saturday. It was surprising I was handed a start, but I was pleased I was because I felt ready.
"It was a good game for me to come back, because we played well and managed another win.
"The first injury caused the problem and kept me out for a while, but the second time against Everton I really thought I'd broken my ankle. I heard a crack down there, so it was a big relief to discover I was only out for 12 days.
"I've worked really hard to get back into contention and build up the strength. I only returned to training last Thursday, so to come straight back was really pleasing. It's even better when you score.
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