Jol is arrogant & disliked by most of Fulham's players, claims Bjorn Helge Riise

Jan 17, 2013 2:10:00 PM

The 29-year-old midfielder claims the manager is an unpopular figure at Craven Cottage following reports that his brother John Arne has been told he can leave the club

Lillestrom midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise has hit out at his former mentor Martin Jol, claiming that a large portion of the Fulham squad dislike the manager.

Bjorn Helge was brought to England by Roy Hodgson, making 16 appearances in his debut season, but his two successors at Craven Cottage – Mark Hughes and Jol – deemed the Norwegian surplus to requirements and was subsequently shipped out on loan before leaving on a free transfer last summer.

Bjorn’s brother John Arne Riise is still part of the Fulham squad, but has been told his manager that he is free to leave the club – and the defender’s sibley says Jol is creating an unpleasant atmosphere at the London club.

"Martin Jol is disliked by most players and can act very arrogantly," Riise told Sunnmorsposten.

"He is OK with those he likes, but does not speak to those who are at odds with him. I am not surprised by this [falling out]."

Meanwhile, John Arne Riise's representative, who also happens to be both players' mother, has refused to give anything away about the former Liverpool player’s future.

"No comment, unfortunately. Right now there is nothing to report, but things can happen quickly," she said.