Steven Gerrard couldn’t resist firing a playful dig at Michael Owen over his ties with Manchester United at the post-match interview following Aston Villa’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.
Gerrard was in the dugout at Anfield and was given a warm reception by Liverpool’s supporters as he led the Aston Villa entourage to the Merseyside club for the first time as a Manager.
Unfortunately for Villa, it was Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty that sealed the win for Anfield’s Reds to keep them just a point behind the current Premier League leaders.
Post-match, Owen, in his role as a pundit for Premier League Productions, asked Gerrard about the reception he had gotten from Liverpool’s fans at his previous club, adding in his own sentiments about the awkwardness of having to return to his former club as a rival in his earlier days after having joined Manchester United.
‘I must admit I hated going back to play against Liverpool, what were your emotions like going back today and how did you feel about taking a team to your home?’ Owen asked.
But Gerrard replied: ‘If I’d played for Man U, I’d hate coming back too.’
Gerrard went on to say he will continue to support Liverpool but his ‘priority’ is to improve Aston Villa.
‘It is what it is, I’m on a journey,’ said the former Liverpool captain.
‘I’m privileged and honored to take this position, it’s a fantastic club.