Dossena´s fortunes will be on the rise, claims Norway star

John Arne Riise has urged Liverpool’s supporters to give his replacement at Anfield, Andrea Dossena, time to adjust to the Premier League.

The 28-year-old Norwegian international spent seven years at Liverpool before joining Roma in June last year.

A month later, Liverpool agreed an undisclosed fee for left-back Dossena from Udinese.

But the 27-year-old Italian international has struggled to impose himself in England, yet Riise has no doubts about Dossena’s technical ability and refused to criticise Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez for ending his Liverpool career.

Speaking ahead of Roma’s Champions League first knockout round first leg with Arsenal, Riise was questioned as to whether Benitez was right to replace him with Dossena.

“It is difficult for me to say,” responded Riise, who had a successful spell at Monaco before signing for Liverpool.

“I am happy where I am but it is always going to take a player time to come into a new team.

“I think they need to give Dossena time because he is a good player. He needs to adapt to the English style.

“It’s the same as me in Italy. I needed time and I hope people give him time because he is good.

“Of course, I am going to miss people at Liverpool because I was there for seven years. But I have started a new career in Rome and I am happy there.

“I had a fantastic time at Liverpool. I won a Champions League with them, so I am not complaining.”

Although now living in the Italian capital, Riise still keeps an eye on the Premiership table and is pleased to see his former club challenging for the league title.

Liverpool are in second place, seven points behind leaders Manchester United, and Riise says they need to start winning to be within a chance of overtaking the current champions.

“This year, Liverpool are fighting for the title and I know they are now behind,” said Riise.

“But they are still in the run for it. United are very strong, so if Liverpool are going to fight for it, they need to win.”