Unhappy campers

Here at a-m we have been aware the of the discomfort being suffered by Michael Owen. A simple, decent sort of individual from a good background, it comes as no surprise that he's having a hard time fitting in with the geriatricos. It's also been clear from the body-language of prancing prima donna Raul that the latter has been less than happy with the lad's presence. Just look at his reaction the next time Owen asks for the ball, or scores - normal response is to ignore him in both cases. One look at the statistics is enough to see why (though not to justify this kind of passive bullying): Owen's 12 league starts have generated 10 goals this season to Raul's 6 goals in a whopping 24 starts. Ronaldo has managed a more respectable 12 goals in his 24 starts. Raul used to regularly make pichichi (Spanish league's top goal scorer at the end of the season), though now he looks as though he might be past it. He also reacted particularly badly to English manager John Toshack's presence, who was not not one for massaging the ego of the likes of Princess Raul. For my money he is the embodiment of the spirit of Madridismo, and is thus particularly loathed here at a-m. So no great shock to hear that Owen wants out (he has been shouting this from the rooftops for some time), with Liverpool being his preferred destination. Here's hoping - imagine the 'Pool being drawn against Madrid in the Champions' League next year; Owen's experience and a certain acquired anti-Madridista appetite would be mesmerising stuff.
Counting down to the big one on Sunday (Madrid - Barça), we are well aware that Owen is the one most likely to cause the kind of upset we are definitely not seeking - and if he does it will be no thanks to Raul.