Robbie Fowler compares Andoni Iraola to Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool icon Robbie Fowler has drawn parallels between Andoni Iraola and Jürgen Klopp as the club moves toward appointing the former Bournemouth head coach to succeed the departing Arne Slot.

Reflecting on the potential impact of a managerial change, Fowler noted: "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 emphasized the need for a tactical shift from the previous regime, remarking: "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."

While acknowledging the vast difference in stature between the two clubs, Fowler cautioned: "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."

Despite those challenges, Fowler believes Iraola’s philosophy aligns with the Anfield identity. "However, if Iraloa 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 Jurgen Klopp-type manager than Arne Slot in the way his teams play, very high-energy and pressing high," he explained.

Drawing a contrast with the recent campaign, Fowler concluded: "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."