'Fabio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us. The best solution would be for him to score at Stamford Bridge... in the right goal.' - Rafa Benitez
Poor old poor John Arne Riise. I’m predicting he’ll score a goal in the return leg, but that’s only if Benitez lets him near the pitch--which it looks like Benitez will as Fabio will be out injured.
His own goal versus Chelsea in the semifinals of the Champions League will go down as one of the worst or best ever, depending upon what team you were rooting for. He scored an own goal in the 95th minute--a marvelous diving header. He’s been with Liverpool for 7 years now, there’s nothing like redemption, let’s hope Riise gets his shot in the return leg. Nicolas Anelka was just behind him so he had to do something. What's wrong with using your feet to clear the ball?
Quotes from Riise and the classic one from Benitez below:
Riise said:
'But it was a swerving cross, the ball was wet, and it slid right off my forehead. It was a shock to see it lying in the goal.
'These things happen for defenders from time to time. I know how strong I am mentally and I will handle this and I will come back from an own goal like that.
'I have been involved in tougher things in my life than this and I know that I will handle this in a good way. I will try to turn this around to something positive.'
Benitez also confirmed he had spoken to Riise about the incident.
'I have talked with John, and told him not to keep thinking about the own goal all of the time. He must come- back and be ready,' the Spaniard said.
'Fabio will be out for three weeks, so Riise knows he has to be ready and give everything for us. The best solution would be for him to score at Stamford Bridge... in the right goal.'
