OWEN: CHAMPIONS LEAGUE BARE MINIMUM - TalkSoccer

Thatslife · 04-09-2003, 05:14 PM

Michael Owen has warned that a top-four finish is Liverpool's "bare minimum" requirement for the season.

Although Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea look to have set an ominous early pace in the title race, Owen insists that Liverpool can still challenge for the Barclaycard Premiership.

However, it is clear that he will be looking for the Anfield club to prove their title-winning credentials this season as he prepares to start talks over a new contract.

Owen is now concentrating on country rather than club issues as he prepares for England's Euro 2004 qualifier against Macedonia this weekend.

But while he has previously insisted he is happy at Anfield for the time being, the England striker is not short of ambition.

"I hope we do well this season. Everyone's stance at Liverpool is the same. We all want to qualify for the Champions League," he declared.

"Unfortunately, this year we're not in it but we've got to put that right this season. That's one of the aims of the season. In fact, the Champions League is probably the bare minimum for the team.

"Obviously, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are three of the teams to beat.

"I suppose you could say the better teams are at the top at the moment but I'm sure there are teams like ourselves and Newcastle who will come out of the pack as well. It's early days yet."

At least Liverpool have now managed to record their first victory of the season, with Owen scoring twice in the 3-0 win against Everton.

"It's nice to win before you come away on international duty, rather than looking at the league table for two weeks, thinking that you haven't won a game," he added.

"It's a nice relief and you feel a bit of pressure come off yourselves."

The Rule · 05-09-2003, 10:14 AM

Champions League position is not good enough.

HistoryGirlLFC · 06-09-2003, 07:46 PM

after last season Champions League is the least we deserve hopefully if Houllier sticks with attacking tactics and team we can get some more wins under our belt and not have that huge dip in form in the middle of the season like last year

Come On You Reds!!

Kopite · 06-09-2003, 09:24 PM

We're starting to look a lot better. The long throw ins have disappeared and the ball is staying on the floor. Also with my mate Igor at centre back, we have someone who can run with the ball, run very fast and creates space for other players when he brings the ball forward. I'd like to see Henchoz and Biscan at centre back. For some reason i'm starting to doubt Hyypia. Don't really know why though.

Dario · 08-09-2003, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kopite

We're starting to look a lot better. The long throw ins have disappeared and the ball is staying on the floor. Also with my mate Igor at centre back, we have someone who can run with the ball, run very fast and creates space for other players when he brings the ball forward. I'd like to see Henchoz and Biscan at centre back. For some reason i'm starting to doubt Hyypia. Don't really know why though.

You know Igor personally?

Kopite · 08-09-2003, 06:32 PM

No. I don't know him personally but i'm the only one who seems to stick up for him.

StretfordEnd · 08-09-2003, 11:15 PM

Could that be because he's bobbins ?

Kopite · 09-09-2003, 03:57 PM

No its because he was stuck on the right of midfield after he was signed and played badly. He's now in his best position (centre back), and is starting to prove what he can do.

Imagine Keane playing on the right of midfield. Do you think he'd set the world on fire?

thetool · 09-09-2003, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kopite

No. I don't know him personally but i'm the only one who seems to stick up for him.

That is right. All the Koppers I listen to, all dispese Biscan. Personally, I thought he was brilliant against Chelsea. Who do you not like in the 'Pool's first team?