Robbie Fowler Exclusive: Why Slot’s Liverpool sacking surprised me
Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler reckons Andoni Iraola would return the Reds to Jurgen Klopp’s style of play – but says Arne Slot’s sacking still took him by surprise.
Slot was relieved of his duties at the weekend after two seasons at Anfield during which he won the league title.
And Fowler reckons that it was the timing of the decision that surprised him more than anything.
Speaking exclusively to BetMGM, Fowler said: “What Arne Slot achieved in his first season at Liverpool was genuinely phenomenal and he deserves huge praise for that.
“I know people query that he did it with Jurgen Klopp’s team but he did it his own way. The formation was slightly different as was the style of play so I don’t really buy into him winning the Premier League with Jurgen’s team.
“This season things just haven’t worked out. The results and performances haven’t been at that level but I was a bit surprised at the timing of Arne losing his job.
“I thought it would happen at the start of next season if results didn’t improve but, as we know in football, if things don’t go the right way then the hierarchy of a football club is quick to make decisions.
“I think we also saw that some of the fanbase were losing a bit of faith in him and, once they start airing their opinions in a negative manner, it’s a tough road to win them back.
“So ultimately a mix of the results not being good enough and the noise from the terraces resulted in the outcome we’re seeing.”
Iraola can be Klopp 2.0
Former Bournemouth manager Iraola is the favourite to replace Slot in the Anfield dugout – and Fowler believes he would get a lot of Liverpool fans excited.
“Straight away if a new manager can come in and give everyone a bit of a lift it gives everyone a bit more energy and things improve,” Fowler said.
“I think what we don’t want is the style of football we’ve seen over the last year which has been quite slow and not that exciting. If that continues, the new manager puts themself under pressure.
“If you look at Bournemouth and Liverpool they are totally different. Expectation levels and the fact that you’re going to have a lot more games at Liverpool means there is so much more pressure.
“However, if [Andoni] Iraola does come to Liverpool, I think there’s going to be a lot of excitement because of the way he got Bournemouth to play. He looks more of a Klopp-type manager than Slot in the way his teams play – very high-energy and pressing high.
“They had a bit more oomph than Liverpool had last season and that’s what the fans want. If someone can come in and not emulate what Jurgen did but get to a level where the style and standard of football is at that level, I can’t see any reason why the fans won’t be on board straight away.
“The new manager has to win things – that’s what you’re judged on at Liverpool. It’s a prerequisite of any manager at the football club, it doesn’t matter where you’ve been previously.
“Of course winning leagues is the aim but, if you’re not doing that, the team needs to be winning cups. You can’t beat around the bush at Liverpool – you’re coming into one of the biggest clubs in the world and if you’re coming with the mantra of ‘doing well’ then Liverpool isn’t the club for you.
“You’ve got to play a brand of football that gets the fans excited and gets them on your side. It’s about showing you’re in the job to win things and if you do that the fans will back you.”
Why Wirtz needs to do more
The ex-Liverpool striker was also asked about Florian Wirtz’s start to life at Liverpool and, while he feels the style of football didn’t suit the German, he still expects to see the 23-year-old do more next term.
“I don’t think he’s been as consistent as we would have liked him to be,” the 51-year-old added.
“There’s clearly a proper player in there and everything he does is very neat and tidy. However, there comes a point when the neat and tidy needs to be a little bit more progressive.
“I’d like to see him have a bit more energy and I think that will energise those around him too as he’s in that position where he has a big influence on the team.
“He hasn’t had the season he would have liked and from a fan’s perspective, the fact he’s got a World Cup now and therefore not much of a pre-season before the new campaign gets underway, it does scare you a little bit.
“Players need that preparation under their belts so they can go into the new season at the right level and I don’t think we’re going to get that.
“With Wirtz, I do think we need to see more from him. Hopefully a new manager might bring out the very, very best in him because I’m not sure Slot’s style last year suited him that well.”
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