Robbie Fowler: he’d sniff again
The striker may not have been popular on one half of Merseyside, but he remains a Liverpool legend. Now he wants to become a top coach
You were often described as one of the most natural finishers in the game. Would you say scoring goals came easily to you?
People think you’re born with it, but that’s not true – you have to teach yourself and practise all the time. I might have made it look natural, but it was because of the practice. As a kid, I’d take shots with both feet over and over again.
You made such a bright start to your career – when do you think you were at your best?
It was then – at the start, in the first three or four years. I possibly never got any better than that. When I retired I was third in the all- time Premier League goalscorers list, but I’m down to seventh these days. I should be higher and should have scored more goals, but everyone forgets the injuries I had – they take their toll.
Did you fulfil your potential?
I’m not sure. Maybe. I tried. I always wanted to be better, so was never satisfied.
How did you feel when Liverpool supporters called you ‘ God’?
Humbled. I was just a skinny kid from a rough area of Liverpool, and then I was called that – the best nickname in football. I still get called it. Liverpool have had so many legends, and yet that’s the name they gave me. Incredible!
Did your connection with the Liverpool fans grow when you wore the T- shirt backing the city’s dockers?
That might have helped, but overall I think the fans saw a bit of themselves in me. I grew up a mile from Liverpool city centre – I was them. I was fined £ 1,000 for wearing that T- shirt and showing it, but it proved I was with the people of the city. All the goals probably helped, too!
Do you have any regrets from your career?
Not really, although maybe I regret going into a few tackles I shouldn’t have with defenders and goalkeepers, and picking up injuries. That didn’t help me.
How about when you sniffed the line after scoring against Everton ( left)?
No chance! I used to get absolutely mullered by Everton fans, so I was always going to do it. I knew what I was doing. I didn’t care. It was a chance to wind them up after all the abuse they’d given me!
How do you reflect on winning a penalty at Arsenal, then telling the referee not to give it? It won you a UEFA Fair Play award...
I knew David Seaman, so that played a role in it, and it wasn’t a penalty. I’d overrun the ball, but poked it past him and he didn’t touch me. I was a bit unbalanced, so just fell over. It was never a dive. I immediately told the referee, “No contact,” but he’d already given it. My team- mates thought I was mad and were telling me to shut up!
Which manager brought the best out of you?
Roy Evans, without a doubt. I loved his man- management and the way he set us up to go at teams. Gerard
Houllier and Rafa Benitez were both tactically superb and probably knew more than Roy, but he got the best out of me as a player.
How hard was it to leave Liverpool in 2001?
Extremely hard – it killed me to have to leave Liverpool, but I had my pride. I just wanted to play, and I wasn’t doing it at the time. I had to go for my sanity. I would love to have stayed there my whole career, but it wasn’t possible.
Was it a bit weird then playing for Leeds and Manchester City?
I was a professional – I knew I had a job to do. I couldn’t keep thinking I wished I was still at Liverpool and had to show the clubs respect.
How did it feel to return to Anfield in 2006?
Deep down I always wanted to go back. There was speculation, but I was never sure. The day Rafa phoned me and asked me to go back was an amazing moment. The best phone call ever.
Did you deserve more than 26 England caps?
I never really enjoyed playing for England. Of those 26 caps, I think I made 12 starts. I joined up with squads, but didn’t feel part of it. I was desperate to play, but often wouldn’t even get on the pitch, which was horrible. I had to score nearly 100 goals for Liverpool before I won my first cap, but now you get in after a couple of goals. I waited years, which was astonishing.
It was a chance to prove myself all over again. I’m seen as a joker, so I wanted people to take me seriously. I’ve done my badges, and that’s hard work – it was about seven years between the B and Pro Licence. I’ve moved to Australia to show how keen I am to make it as a coach.
What appealed to you about management? What impact do you feel you’ve made so far at Brisbane Roar?
The team had an awful year before I joined, so I was given carte blanche to do what I thought was needed. Halfway into this season we had more wins than all of last season, and more points. We’ve been going in the right direction.
Describe your managerial approach...
I’m my own person, but I’ve also taken things from managers I’ve worked under like Benitez, Houllier, even Graeme Souness. I’d like to think I’m brave and ready to make tough decisions.
How do you think you would have dealt with yourself as a player? What do you miss most about England?
My family. But this is the life of someone in football. I’m willing to do this. I’m really dedicated and passionate to become a great manager. I miss my family, but I’m at the start of a long career and want to develop.
“THAT LINE- SNIFFING CELEBRATION WAS TO WIND UP THE EVERTON FANS FOR ABUSING ME – I DON’T REGRET IT!”