Soccer: AGM wrath turns up heat on Houllier
The Frenchman insists the club are only out of the Champions League places because of Michael Owen's long-term injury and is confident they can put their indifferent Premiership form behind them.
Houllier, who also pleaded with chairman David Moores to maintain his Anfield involvement, has, however, been angered by remarks from Owen's advisors suggesting the England striker may leave the club if they do not qualify for the Champions League.
Houllier believes the club would be a lot closer to that position had his star striker not been out and is confident he will stay, even telling shareholders "Michael Owen will sign a new contract this year".
However, the chairman of Owen's advisors SFX, Jon Holmes, said: "Champions League football is very important to Michael.
"A crucial five months await Liverpool.
"Michael is now 24 and is moving into his prime. He needs to be playing at the highest level of club football."
Such comments on the eve of a crunch Premiership game at Chelsea have not pleased Houllier, who was confronted by shareholders also demanding Champions League football.
Houllier responded to Holmes by saying: "If we do not reach a Champions League place, the absence of Michael Owen will have played a part. He has not played for three months.
"So when the agent says that we have to play in the Champions League he should consider the fact that maybe if we had been more lucky with Michael and he had not been injured, we would be in a Champions League spot."
Houllier is particularly irritated because Owen considers Tony Stephens to be his agent, the man who has worked with him for years and is now part-time with SFX.
Stephens has been away on a lengthy break for several weeks, hence the delay in further contract talks, and both Houllier and the club seem happy to wait to deal with Stephens.
The remarks on Monday have even prompted reports that Owen may consider breaking his ties with SFX after the current contract has been negotiated, as did David Beckham.
Owen has said only recently that he wants to stay at Liverpool.
Houllier said: "We are just waiting for him to be back because he plays such a part in our performances and results. I said Michael would have a great season. He played nine games and scored eight goals before he was injured. Unfortunately our strike force is too depleted to compete at the top level, with Milan Baros out too."
He added: "It is not only Michael Owen, it is not only some agent wanting Champions League football, it is the whole club and the whole community of fans.
"I believe Michael will sign a new contract this year. That is my opinion. We regret that he has not been playing for three months. Michael's agent is away at the moment, and he will come back later in January and then Rick Parry and myself will speak with him."
Owen, doubtful for the Stamford Bridge game, is desperately needed by Houllier - along with Steven Gerrard as he defends his position in the wake of shareholders' comments.
Moores also suggested he would have to look at his position if results do not improve but Houllier does not want to see his chairman step down.
He said: "I do not think David really meant he would quit, he meant that at the end of the season he may have to look at himself.
"The chairman is the best supporter and best fan of the club."
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