Fear factor can lift Reds

May 17 2007 by James Pearce, Liverpool Echo

JOHN ARNE RIISE admits he sat back and admired the brilliance of AC Milan a fortnight ago.

The Italians’ ruthless destruction of Manchester United sent out a clear message that they are on a mission to avenge the events of Istanbul two years ago.

Trailing 3-2 from the first leg of the semi-final, Milan totally outclassed the Premiership champions on their way to a stunning 3-0 victory in the San Siro.

Brazilian Kaka helped himself to his 10th Champions League goal of the campaign, with further strikes from Clarence Seedorf and substitute Alberto Gilardino booking a showdown with Liverpool in Athens next Wednesday night.

Having witnessed the Milan masterclass, Sir Alex Ferguson was among those to write off the Reds’ chances of final glory, but Riise believes the United boss is missing the point.

The Norwegian is confident the Reds’ different style can nullify the Italians’ attacking threat and ensure Rafa Benitez’s side succeed where United failed.

“I saw the second leg against United and in the first half Milan played one of the best games I’ve ever seen,” Riise said.

“Their manager said that they hadn’t played like that since he came to the club.

“The Milan full-backs, Oddo and Jankulovski, were like strikers almost but that’s because they were given room to play.

“It’s going to be hard work for our wingers and full-backs to follow them but if we can attack them there will be space there.

“I heard some things that they believe they are more technical and we are more physical.

“We can play football as well. but it’s true we are strong and physical and we have to use that to our advantage because they hate playing against that kind of team.

“We play a style of football that is successful for us and we know some teams hate to play against us because we play a physical game.

“We’re tight and compact with a lot of good counter attacks.

“We know what we can do and we’re in the final because we deserve to be there.”

The final has been billed as Kaka against Steven Gerrard but Riise believes the Reds’ secret weapon will be sat in the dugout.

“Kaka is a world-class player but we have to be careful because Inzaghi, Gattuso, Pirlo and Seedorf are all match-winners,” he said.

“They’ve got class players all over the pitch and we respect that but we have a manager who is a tactical genius.

“Rafa will talk to every player about what he expects from them and what the opposition are likely to do.

“He knows how to get his side ready and he will look at where Milan are good and bad. We will look at their weaknesses and try to exploit them.”