Owen's omission is for Reds' sake
LIVERPOOL - Gerard Houllier said he withdrew Michael Owen from the Uefa Cup match against Steaua Bucharest tonight to save the striker's season from potential ruin - a statement that holds more truth for Liverpool than for the player.
On Sunday, the Reds host Manchester United in the Premiership, a clash that the French manager admitted is more important than European glory this season.
Owen, who has 18 months left on his contract, has yet to commit his future to the club and a Champions League spot next season could help him make up his mind.
Houllier cannot afford having Owen miss his fourth match in four weeks, as three points at Anfield will close the gap on United to five points.
The Frenchman will want to hold on to his star even more after former Liverpool goalkeeper, Sander Westerveld, said Owen should follow David Beckham's example and move to Real Madrid, who are preparing a &25-million (S$73-million) bid for the England striker.
The Real Sociedad custodian, who was set to face Juventus in the Champions League last night, told The Sun 'If you want to be at a big club and you want to be a big player, you have to be in the Champions League.
'If he is looking to change something, he has to go to a top club like Real, especially if he wants to win things and be involved in the Champions League.'
Westerveld, who was devastated after being dumped by Houllier despite helping Liverpool win the League Cup, FA Cup and Uefa Cup in 2001, added that striker Owen will become a better player if he makes the move.
He said 'Look at Beckham. He is doing brilliantly and he has been very important for the team. I think playing at Real will definitely make him better.'
The Dutchman also reckons Real should raid Liverpool for defender Sami Hyypia, who has been stripped of the captaincy by Houllier, sparking rumours that the Frenchman wants him out.
Westerveld said 'Real's problem is their defence. I think Hyypia would be perfect for Madrid. If Real bought a good defender like Jaap Stam or Hyypia, then they would be the best team in the world without a doubt.'
Houllier, however, insisted that Owen's withdrawal had more to do with an injury that could ruin his entire season unless the striker is given enough rest.
'He has a swelling of blood around the ankle but I am confident he will be okay for Sunday if he doesn't play in Romania,' he said.
'But if he feels he needs a week to recover, then I'll give him a week. I don't want to ruin his season by over-playing him with an injury.'
The good news for Houllier has been the recent performances of France's Florent Sinama-Pongolle, who is expected to take Owen's place alongside Emile Heskey.
'Our fans have taken to Florent, probably because he has similar qualities to Owen,' said Houllier. 'But he's not the finished article by far. He has to learn more about movement, positioning and linking with other players, but I am very pleased with him.' -- AFP