Interview with Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler: "The Suarez-Sturridge strike partnership is ominous for defenders"

Former Liverpool Striker Robbie Fowler During XOLO Promotional Event

Robbie Fowler

Robbie Fowler was in India recently for a promotional event as a part of the new regional partnership between Liverpool FC and XOLO.

Sportskeeda’s Yash and Karthikeya caught up with Fowler at the event. Here are some of the excerpts from his interview:

Do you think that Liverpool have got a squad big enough to challenge for a trophy – the FA Cup and the Premier League, this season?

Well, to be honest, the squad isn’t big enough as some of the other teams. I think one advantage that Liverpool have had this season is that they’ve not played in many competitions, with no European games and were knocked out of the League Cup early. The FA Cup will be one tournament where I expect they will play a certain amount of games.

I’m obviously a fan, and I want the club to buy more players and I want them to be stronger in depth. They want new players to come in, and I really believe that the club will strengthen its squad. But it’s not that bad at the moment considering that the team doesn’t have to play too many games and just has the league and FA Cup to focus on.

As per 2013, you hadn’t retired. What’s the status right now?

I’ve not officially retired, maybe because I’m one of those players who don’t like the fanfare of retirements. However, I do know I’m not going to play again.

Were you really serious about making a comeback for Liverpool again last summer when you played in the Steven Gerrard testimonial game?

[laughs] Of course, I’d love to play at the highest level, but more than anything I would want to play for Liverpool. Playing in the Gerrard testimonial, it was just meant to be a one-off and nothing beyond that.

You have been one of the more fortunate Liverpool Academy products who went on to play for the club at the highest level. How many from the present players at the Academy do you see making the grade?

I think it’s very important for teams to bring through the young lads from the academies at a time when millions are being spent on buying players. Liverpool’s bench this season has often seen players coming from the Academy. Brad Smith and Cameron Brannagan have featured, and one young player who is a standout player for me is Jordan Rossiter. He reminds me of young Steven Gerrard.

I have been lucky enough to do some mentoring and coaching at the Academy, and I believe there are some exceptional players. In the coming years, there will be certainly more players coming into the first team squad.

Do you see anyone bettering your fastest hat-trick record?

Potentially anyone, but I hope no one does! [laughs]

You have played a lot with Steven Gerrard. Brendan Rodgers had recently commented that he sees Gerrard gradually moving to the Centre-Back position in the coming years. What is your take on that?

Obviously, when one gets older, you are not as quick as before. But with Steven, I think he is still as good. He’s one of the players who can play at any position. When he first got into the team, he was used as a Right-Back many times. Rafa Benitez played him on the right wing. Kenny Dalglish played as an Attacking Midfielder.

Brendan Rodgers seems to play him in the sitting Midfielder role. Steven has a lot in his locker and he can play anywhere. I can see him playing for many years, and I think he has the ability to do well as a Centre-Back as well. I won’t trust him at the goal, but he can play at pretty much any other position.

What are your thoughts on Jordan Henderson? He has improved by leaps and bounds this season and has played a key role in the side.

It was initially difficult for him when he first came. Leaving the comforts of playing for your home club team and joining a new team is always tough. He accepted himself last season that he needed to be better and in this season he has really improved and looks a very good player. I think he’s going to go on and become a better player.

England had a very iffy qualification for the 2014 World Cup. What chances do you give them in the tournament? How far do you think they will progress?

The aim for England in the qualifications was to qualify for the World Cup, which they successfully achieved. No matter what group a team finds itself in the World Cup, it’s never easy. It’s indeed a difficult group but then it’s the World Cup. I do believe that we can qualify from the group to the knock-outs. Further than that, I’m not very sure. I’m not saying this because I don’t think England are good, but because I feel there are other nations with better teams out there.

FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-FULHAM

Your comments on the strike-partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge at Liverpool.

They have done very well. Daniel came in last January, and scored a lot of goals even in the absence of Luis. Suarez has played alone upfront as well this season after Daniel’s injury and has scored loads of goals. But credit to both of them. Whenever they have played together, they have done well and scored many goals. It looks ominous for the defenders when a team like Liverpool plays one up front and one working the channels, and both scoring goals. I’m certainly looking forward to their partnership in the future.

There is a 70 million pounds buyout clause that has been reportedly included in the Suarez’s contract. What are your comments on that?

Is there such a clause? I don’t know. In the last summer, Liverpool were under no pressure to sell him. How they managed the situation was as good as what I’ve seen at any club for a number of years. In modern day football, when a player wants to leave, then he leaves. Liverpool stood by the player, and he wanted support in return. But, fair play to Luis Suarez as his form has been excellent this season and his performances have probably been better.

The potential for football in India is massive. But do you think it can rival the popularity of cricket in the country?

I know that cricket is the number one sport in the country and maybe football will never get anywhere near its popularity. But what I’ve noticed is that football is growing in the country, and it will continue to grow and become big in the future.

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