Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler on life in Saudi Arabia, Jordan Henderson’s move and Mo Salah links
Robbie Fowler is relishing his new challenge in Saudi Arabia - but the Liverpool fan in him hopes Mohamed Salah doesn't join him just yet.
The Premier League great is currently in the gulf state coaching second division side Al Qadsiah, and has seen a huge influx of new arrivals.
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The Saudi Pro League - their first division - has spent over £500million this summer, with Brazil superstar Neymar the latest big-name arrival.
A summer of enormous investment is showing no signs of relenting, which may come as a concern to Liverpool fans amid reports of interest in Salah.
The Egyptian would be a bigger signing than any before him, at the peak of his powers aged 31, and racking up numerous records in the Anfield history books.
But for Liverpool legend Fowler, he’s keen for Salah to stay away from Saudi Arabia - for selfish reasons!
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Asked if he might be able to tempt him into a transfer, he told Ben Jacobs, talkSPORT's Saudi Arabia correspondent: “I’ll put in a word for him to stay. I want him to stay at Liverpool!
“Good players will always get linked here because this country and this Pro League wants good players and that’s the simplicity of it."
One player who has been tempted into leaving Liverpool for Saudi is Jordan Henderson, who gave up the captain’s armband to join Al Ettifaq.
Fowler said of his fellow Englishman's move: “I think it’s a huge statement, we spoke before about where this country wants to be.
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“When you’re signing players who are playing for England, and Liverpool’s captain, it’s huge, it really is, and it just shows you the power of what can happen if you want it badly.”
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Fabinho has also swapped Merseyside for Saudi Arabia, leaving Liverpool running on fumes in defensive midfield.
Failed moves for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have left Jurgen Klopp scrambling for alternatives, but Fowler is sure he has something in mind.
He explained: “You’d be unbelievably surprised and amazed if Liverpool haven't got some irons in fires for bringing players in.
“For Liverpool to start challenging and getting back to where they were a few years ago in terms of challenging for the Premier League, I think it’s fairly obvious they’ll have to bring in some players.
“I think Jurgen Klopp is an unbelievable manager, he really is, and I think one of the reasons he signed his new contract is because he thought he’d have more of a say in new players coming in.
“He probably hasn’t looked at that just yet, but I’d be amazed if Jurgen doesn’t sit down with the board and the players that be and bring in the players he feels the club needs.”
And what of Fowler's own career?
He's now in his fourth different country as a manager, having previously bossed East Bengal FC, Muangthong United and Brisbane Roar.
Now he's relishing his new challenge, having taken charge of Al-Qadsiah in June.
The team finished 11th in Saudi Arabia's second division last season, 23 points off the top four promotion spots to the Saudi Pro League.
"I've wanted to be a manager for a long time," Fowler explained. "This is a really good opportunity for me. I came over as a consultant to try to get the club to a modern era.
"I'm a big believer in getting the club right from the grassroots level and the training facilities because that is more important than the actual stadium they are playing in.
"Players are training in that environment so it has to be right for them, so that was my ethos and aim as a consultant. I came over here and when the head coach role became available, I threw my name into the hat and went through the interview process and thankfully I got it. I am on my fourth country as a manager and one I am eagerly looking forward to.”
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He continued: "I don't know what to say without trying to make it sound a PR exercise. But if you come over here and experience it yourself, it is far different than what people think it is back home.
"I've enjoyed it. The people are brilliant, very respectable, and if you respect them, they respect you back. So far, I have loved being here. I've loved being part of a club that are trying to grow and I hope I am here for a long time yet."
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