(UTV|COLOMBO) – Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler says his lack of managerial experience “doesn’t matter” after being appointed as the new boss of Brisbane Roar.
The 44-year-old – who won 26 caps for England – has signed a two-year contract with the Australian club.
His only previous managerial experience came during a short spell with Thai side Muangthong United in 2011-12.
“Just because I’m not as experienced as some of them, doesn’t mean I’m going to do as bad a job,” he said.
“You could have Jurgen Klopp here, you could have Pep Guardiola, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to be great managing Brisbane.”
Fowler replaces Darren Davies, who has been in interim charge at Brisbane since John Aloisi resigned in December.
Brisbane play their final game of the season at home to Adelaide United on Thursday and are set to finish second bottom of the A-League.
“I had a good career in terms of playing football. Now this is really the start of my managerial career,” said Fowler, who also played for Manchester City, Leeds, Cardiff and Blackburn.
“There’s not going to be any stone left unturned. I’m going to do everything right. There are going to be plenty of hours on the training pitch to bring the club and the team up to speed.”
Fowler also spent two seasons playing in Australia with North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory towards the end of his career, and has recently been a coach at Liverpool’s Academy as well as working as an ambassador for the Reds.
“For me it’s a massive, massive opportunity,” he said.
“I’ve worked hard getting my job. I wanted people to take me serious. That’s why I went down the route of doing all the badges.
“I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time. It hasn’t really materialised, for whatever reason. But I think I’ve shown people how passionate and how committed I am by coming over here, and by doing every badge that’s needed.”
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