Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has decreed soccer needs Ange Postecoglou, and he hopes the Australian coach remains in the English Premier League for a long time to come, even if Tottenham Hotspur end his time as manager.
The former Reds striker played for North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory and coached Brisbane Roar, before COVID-19 disruptions and issues with club ownership resulted in his departure after 22 games.
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.Credit: Getty Images
It was during his Fury season in 2010-2011 that Fowler first encountered Postecoglou, who coached the Roar to both the premiership and championship.
Postecoglou has faced mounting calls to be sacked as Spurs plummeted to 17th place in the Premier League this season, but victory in the Europa League final provided a potential lifeline for the under-siege Australian.
Fowler believes the Europa League triumph should give Spurs a strong reason to keep Postecoglou but even if they axe him, Fowler remains a huge fan.
“You will get people who write him off because a club that size should be getting better results,” Fowler said.
Tottenham’s head coach Ange Postecoglou celebrates after the Europa League final against Manchester United.Credit: AP
“But I’m not one of those people. I’ve followed his career all the way from Brisbane and he’s an absolute born winner.
“He’s an incredible manager; someone the game needs. You see his expertise in his coaching and in his press conferences. He’s someone I’ve got a lot of time for.
“The game needs Ange Postecoglou. He’s not only an outstanding manager but an outstanding man, and I hope he’s on top of his game for a long time to come.”
Fowler returned to Australia on Monday as a guest of Carlsberg to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Liverpool’s 2005 UEFA Champions League win, affectionately known as the “Miracle of Istanbul”, and the club’s EPL title this season.
Liverpool fans are still basking after winning this year’s title “in a canter”, and Fowler says the Reds will aim for the Champions League and EPL titles next season.
Paris Saint-Germain won the Champions League on Sunday morning, but Fowler was quick to point out that Arne Slot’s team only lost to PSG on penalties when they met in the round of 16.
“For the club to do what they’ve done and start talking about bringing in new players, it’s because they want us to stay on this challenge for the next couple of years,” Fowler said.
“I think it’s genuinely possible, I think with the management and with the players out there already, the expectations are going to be, yes, let’s challenge for everything next season.
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot celebrates after winning the EPL title.Credit: AP
“There’s nothing wrong with that mindset. As a professional, that’s what the mindset should be.
“But you look at PSG, and they only beat Liverpool on penalties, so I think Liverpool fans will be buoyed by that – we are not a million miles away from challenging for everything.”
Fowler won a wrongful dismissal case against the Roar via a FIFA dispute resolution in late 2020, but he still has love for the club and the A-League.
The Roar made headlines last month when they were issued with a winding-up order by the Australian Tax Office due to a six-figure debt. Club owners said that debt would soon be paid.
Kop stars: Markus Babbel celebrates with Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard after Fowler scores against Charlton in 2001.Credit: PA
“I would have liked it to have ended better, we were on a real, real upward trajectory in terms of what we were doing at the club, and we were confident of winning the grand final,” Fowler said, reflecting on his time as Roar coach.
“We were the form team at that particular time. I know COVID ruined a lot of people’s lives. It certainly ruined my football experience over in Australia, absolutely.”
He also declared his desire to resume his career in soccer management in the near future.
“I’ve proven that I will travel and get out of my comfort zone. I’m waiting for an opportunity and hopefully that will come soon,” Fowler said.
“I’m confident in terms of what I can do, and I love the game. When I’m not in the game, you know, I genuinely do miss it, so hopefully I’m not waiting too much longer.”
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