Owen, 46, scored goals for some of the world's biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid. He knows what it means to play under constant pressure, where a poor performance can turn the crowd away.
"That's how it is, when things are going well everyone wants to write positively and you get praised. You have to deal with setbacks, even if today's social media makes it more difficult," says Owen, on a visit to Sweden in connection with a Viaplay event.
"Unfair to single out Isak"
The discussion about pressure, money and titles brings us to a Swedish striker who has been criticized for his lack of performance - Alexander Isak. The national team striker became the most expensive signing in the Premier League last summer, with Liverpool paying Newcastle 1.6 billion kronor.
The 26-year-old may have scored against Nottingham Forest last time out, but his performances, especially last season, have left a lot to be desired. Critics say Isak is not involved enough in the team's play and that he looks too blunt.
"With the big investments Liverpool made, I thought they would be champions in the next two to three years," says Michael Owen.
- But instead it didn't work out and the coach also had to leave. But I think it's unfair to single out Isak for that. Many other players didn't deliver.
Owen believes that Isak had no pre-season to lean on and then came the serious injury with the broken leg.
I know more than most how difficult it is to come back after a long injury.
Tough for Gyökeres: "Strange situation"
But now the conditions have changed. Alexander Isak has had a full pre-season - and a World Cup too. Michael Owen says that this season the audience will get to see the real striker.
I don't think Liverpool bought Isak to score three goals. They know he can carry a team, and he has proven in the past that he can score 20+ goals.
Another Swedish striker who has also had a tough time is Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres. In fact, Gyökeres has not played a single minute in Arsenal's opening two Premier League games.
- It's a strange situation because Viktor was one of the reasons they won the title. But I trust Arteta (Mikel, coach). He knows it's a long season and Viktor will definitely get his minutes.
Age: 46
Nationality: English
Former clubs: Liverpool, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Stoke City
International caps/goals: 89/40
Selected achievements: Won the Ballon d'Or, the award given to the world's best footballer, in 2001. Won the Premier League with Manchester United in 2011. Has also won the Uefa Cup and the FA Cup with Liverpool in 2001.
