Fulham manager Martin Jol has denied reports of a bust up with experienced left back John Arne Riise.
The former Liverpool defender did not travel to the Etihad Stadium for the Cottagers’ 2-0 defeat at Manchester City last weekend, according to talkSPORT.
Riise, who started 35 league games last campaign after returning to the Premier League from AS Roma, has not started a game since Boxing Day for the west Londoners amid speculation that he was set to leave the club.
Jol though insists that there is no issue between himself and the Norwegian (pictured), and wants the 32-year-old to fight Kieran Richardson and youngster Matthew Briggs for a first team place at Craven Cottage.
Jol said: “My relationship was fantastic and is probably still OK. It’s the same all the time in England. I never had a bust-up, I had a conversation.
“There’s no problem, I just wanted to change things. He wants to fight for his place like any player.”
Despite a venomous left foot and his ability to push forward, Riise has not scored a goal for Fulham since he ended his Serie A spell in Rome.
Fulham have only won two games since November, and face a difficult encounter at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday evening.
By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
The former Liverpool defender did not travel to the Etihad Stadium for the Cottagers’ 2-0 defeat at Manchester City last weekend, according to talkSPORT.
Riise, who started 35 league games last campaign after returning to the Premier League from AS Roma, has not started a game since Boxing Day for the west Londoners amid speculation that he was set to leave the club.
Jol said: “My relationship was fantastic and is probably still OK. It’s the same all the time in England. I never had a bust-up, I had a conversation.
“There’s no problem, I just wanted to change things. He wants to fight for his place like any player.”
Fulham have only won two games since November, and face a difficult encounter at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday evening.
By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88
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