Houllier hits back at Owen critics

Last updated : 20 January 2003 By Chris Maxwell
In a week in which Leeds midfielder Eirik Bakke was accused of drink driving the main centre of attention has been an adult participating in a pastime which is perfectly legal.

Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is not alone in feeling that Owen is simply a victim of the media's attempts to tarnish a career which has not given them enough sensational stories. The Reds boss, though, feels Owen is too strong a character to be adversely effected by the many allegations printed in recent days.

He said:"People are trying to ruin his career and reputation, but he’s like me, he took it as a laugh. I repeated to him, don't let them destroy you because you're stronger than that and you're bigger than that.

"In England it's common practice that when you have a player doing well for the national team, they want to ruin his career and ruin his reputation. It's a national sport in England.


"You must be able to do something in life - in the same way that he has a passion for his game, the same way he trains hard, does everything right on and off the pitch. That's why he won the awards and trophies with us.

"He told me there was a lot of exaggeration. He belongs to a very nice family who have been very supportive and they have done extremely well for him to help him achieve the level he has.

"The boy is strong, he has gone through other things before. He has a lovely family, very supportive to him and it's played a part in him reaching a high level. I feel very sorry for them and I sympathise."