Football: Liverpool to play in UAE some day: Robbie Fowler

Abu Dhabi - Liverpool's new coach Jurgen Klopp has transformed the Reds from one-man show

Is Liverpool versus Al Ain exhibition match at Al Jazira Club a possibility? It will be a sell-out and Reds great Robbie Fowler has given thumbs up to such an idea.
"As a football club we go to the US and Asia. We have fans all over the world. Fans over here are fantastic and when you have a team like Liverpool over here, it will inspire more people. So, surely in future you will see a Liverpool team play in this region," Fowler said prior to inaugurating club's first store in the Middle East. The new store opened at Al Wahda Mall in the Capital on Thursday night.
What is on offer in this store?
"We want to generate new fans and stores like this helps. Supporters here have an opportunity to buy top-quality merchandise you buy in the UK. Going forward there will be lot more coming here from Liverpool," the club ambassador said. Interestingly, a new fan group - Abu Dhabi Reds was also launched at the event.
Fans here are passionate but stadiums are devoid of crazy attendance seen in the Premier League. Giving his inputs to boost fan number, he said: "The standard of football is very good and the clubs have some very good player. I was here for a final and enjoyed the game. But fans will decide if they want to go out or not. It's a case of getting the right players whom the fans want to see. And it can easily happen over here. There is no reason why it can't."
Liverpool's new coach Jurgen Klopp has transformed the Reds from one-man show (read Luis Suarez) to a cohesive unit. Can they push for the title?
"Ambition wise, yes. You always want to be the very best and finish high up in the table. Importantly, now we have a team which is far more consistent. We are more team-based as supposed to individual excellence. We have magnificent players. We have started off well and need to be consistent and who knows what can happen. It's exciting times at Anfield."
Daniel Sturridge is reportedly unhappy with Klopp and wants to be out. Interestingly, he is used as sub by the manager. Will this affect team's prospoects? "Sturridge has proven to be an excellent player but its testimony to how well Liverpool are playing. (Roberto) Firmino and (Adam) Lallana started the season well; Philippe Coutinho is in and out of side. So competition is healthy. If Lallana and Sturridge play then they will bring the best out of everyone else."
The sixth-highest goal scorer in the history of the Premier League retired last year. On his future, he said: "I miss my football. My next step is to get into management job. I am in middle of my Pro license. I am all qualified and that is my end game. I want to be a manager."
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com