Last Updated: Mon, 21 Jan 2013 10:27
Martin Jol has rubbished reports claiming he has fallen out with Fulham defender John Arne Riise.
The Cottagers boss hit out at the speculation following his side's 2-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday after Riise was again a notable absentee from the travelling party.
The Norwegian left-back has not featured for Fulham since Boxing Day as Jol has opted to go with other players in that role. And the Dutch tactician insisted that he has taken the player out of the firing line to 'freshen things up' as opposed to the suggestions the pair have had a bust-up behind the scenes.
Jol said: "John Arne Riise is a fantastic boy so he wouldn't ever come up with this sort of thing.
"Matthew Briggs is younger and can stay on the bench. John stayed at Motspur Park and did an extra training session because I promised him that if he's not starting, it's better that he doesn't go with us.
"I wasn't happy after the Liverpool game, when Stewart Downing scored his first goal since he joined Liverpool and John was playing against him, so I tried something to freshen things up and alert him. I want to challenge all the players."
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