[lfc-news] Gerrard quiet over Owen - PA

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PA Sport, 10 Aug 2004
GERRARD QUIET OVER OWEN

Steven Gerrard had all the answers on the pitch but none off it when
quizzed after Liverpool's Champions League win at AK Graz on Tuesday about
his club and international team-mate Michael Owen's Anfield future.

England striker Owen's selection for bench duties only in the 2-0 final
qualifying round first-leg win in Austria increased speculation that he may
be on the verge of a big-money move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

A role as a non-playing substitute means Owen would not be cup-tied in
European competition should a high-flying continental club want to buy him
before the end of this month.

Rumours are therefore rife that Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez
deliberately kept his star striker out of the action in order to protect
his market value.

But neither the coach nor Gerrard - who scored both the Reds' goals - was
willing or able to shed any fresh light on the situation.

"No-one has said anything to me about Michael. We will have to wait and
see," Gerrard said.

Benitez was marginally less forthcoming on the subject, but both he and
Gerrard were able to reflect more openly on a victory which puts Liverpool
on course to reach the forthcoming group stage of the Champions League.

"It was a perfect result, but I would not say it was a perfect
performance," Gerrard conceded.

"We have to win these two legs, and this was an important game. But we used
it to get fit too. We have had a good run-out and kept a clean sheet, so we
are very happy."

Gerrard predicts much better to come, starting against Tottenham in the
first round of Barclays Premiership fixtures on Saturday, as Benitez gets
to know his new team.

"The manager asked us to play a bit deeper tonight because we did not know
much about their team," said the midfielder.

"I would not say we fired on all cylinders - but we will be raring to go
against Tottenham this weekend now."


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