John Arne Riise has not signed yet, confirms Kerala Blasters manager Peter Taylor
Peter Taylor, the manager of Indian Super League (ISL) side Kerala Blasters, has denied reports that they have signed former Liverpool star John Arne Riise. He did, however, mention that Kerala have shown interest in signing the 2005 champions League winner.
In an interview with Sky Sports, the 62-year-old said that the signing of Riise would be great for the ISL. He said, “We’ve shown a strong interest in John. We would love him to come and join us. I don’t think it’s sorted out yet, but he’s a player that we like and I think he would be great for the league without a doubt.”
“I think the more top marquee players you can get that can still really run around and show what they’ve done in their careers will be great for Indian football,” he added.
When asked what the plan was if they don’t land Riise, Taylor said that he had a list prepared as a contingency plan, “That’s football and that happens. You don’t always get what you want and that’s where you’ve got to make sure you have your list and you’re prepared.”
Dagnall will do well in Kerala: Taylor
Taylor has already started preparing for the season ahead by signing Engish striker Chris Dagnall. Dagnall scored against Taylor’s previous side Gillingham while playing for Leyton Orient.
“I am delighted with Chris Dagnall, He’s a very hard-working forward and I am hopeful and confident that he’ll do well out there. I have looked at Chris at a number of places when he was at Rochdale, Barnsley and at Orient. He scored against me last season for Orient when I was the manager of Gillingham, so I know a lot about him.” informed the former England U-21 boss.
“I know a lot of Orient staff who have all told me he works too hard. If that’s his problem then that’s a nice problem.”