Riise: We belong in Champions League

The Reds have endured a turbulent campaign which began with fervent talk that they could end over a decade without winning the title.

But inconsistency has blighted their season with manager Gerard Houllier having come under increasing flak for the team's topsy-turvy form.

Liverpool are currently locked in a fierce battle to claim the final Champions League place and Riise feels the club should be in Europe's elite competition.

The 1-0 victory over Manchester United on Saturday boosted those aspirations and the Norwegian full back hints that it would be a travesty if The Reds miss out on fourth position.

"We have been under major pressure from the media, especially the manager Gerard Houllier," Riise told Dagbladet.

"Today we decided to go out and prove what we can do. No-one believed we could manage it but we proved that we can.

"Therefore this was a very important win for us.

"The season has been a disappointment for us. We spoke about winning the league but have failed to live up to that.

"Now it is important that we finish in fourth place. Liverpool is a club with traditions and we absolutely belong in the Champions League."

Riise also praised Houllier for helping to turn him into a better player defensively during his three years at Anfield.

He added: "I have worked a lot on that. The first season at Liverpool I was more of a free player.

"Now I know where the manager wants to use me. I work with the tasks he gave me."