Michael Owen not surprised by Liverpool downfall
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Michael Owen insists he is not surprised at how swiftly Liverpool have plummeted down the table.
Owen won four major trophies with the Anfield outfit, including three during the 2000-01 campaign under Gerard Houllier.
But after finishing second two seasons ago, Liverpool missed out on a Champions League place last term and have been forced to bring Kenny Dalglish back to spark a revival after a dismal Christmas period that included defeats to Wolves and Blackburn, sent them tumbling into the wrong half of the table.
Not of this is Owen's concern anymore. Indeed, the 31-year-old was part of the Manchester United side that turfed Liverpool out of the FA Cup at Old Trafford yesterday.
However, he remains close to Steven Gerrard - who was sent-off - and Jamie Carragher - who missed out through injury - and has strong opinions about life at his old club.
"I am not particularly surprised," he told United Review.
"I would say their position reflects where they are right now.
"They are in the middle of a transitional period and off the pitch they have had a change of ownership.
"They are also very reliant on a couple of star players and if they are out injured, they have tended to struggle."
Although Owen's move to Manchester United ensures he will never be welcomed back into the Liverpool fold with open arms, it does allow him a detached perspective.
And even if he opts not to share the information he has been given, it is evident things have been going badly wrong behind the scenes.
"I don't think they would ever forgive me if I said what they had told me," reflected Owen in a separate interview with ITV Sport broadcast immediately before this afternoon's game.
"Throughout all those successful years Liverpool built their foundation on passing and moving.
"But, from when I was there, everything has changed, barring two players. They even got rid of the doctors and the medical staff.
"Maybe there have not been enough Liverpool players over the last 10 years.
"If there was just one reason, then it would have been fixed. But there have been so many."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments