Michael Owen accused of drunkeness over Liverpool prediction

Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool have exceeded everyone’s expectation this season

Ex-Liverpool forward Michael Owen has revealed that people thought he was drunk when he suggested his former club would qualify for the Champions League at the start of the season, report the Evening Standard.

The Merseysiders were widely considered to be dark horses for a top four finish due to their small squad before the season began but are now on the brink of their maiden Premier League title with just three game remaining.

Although the outstanding form of their forwards Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez have contributed to the success, Owen is adamant that manager Brendan Rodgers deserves credit for turning his side from into title contenders from mid table obscurity.

“Huge credit to him [Rodgers] and the rest of the team, which has some outstanding players, but have been guided superbly by the manager.

“I think he has surprised everyone. At the start of the season I tipped Liverpool to come fourth and I was accused of being drunk – and that was one of the more polite things said to me.

“It is amazing the transformation from last season. From seventh last season Brendan Rodgers has done an outstanding job.

“I don’t think many teams will come from seventh to win it, certainly in such a competitive league as the Premier League,” declared the former England striker.

Guiding the Merseysiders to their first league title since 1990 would be an incredible achievement and Owen also hailed the manner in which the northern Irishman has set his team up, who are currently division’s top scorers with 96 goals, to attack.

“No-one had them to win the league. They were long odds against to do it and he has manufactured an unbelievable attacking team that has pace all over it, goals all over it.

“That is the pleasing thing if Liverpool go on to win the league; it has been done in the right way as they have blitzed a lot of teams and outscored them, particularly at Anfield. It has been a great season to watch,” he insisted.

Rodgers’ rampant entertaining entertain Chelsea on Sunday, in what will surely prove to be a clash of styles with Jose Mourinho often opting for a defensive approach on big occasions.