Robbie Fowler in Consideration for National Team Managerial Role – Report | OneFootball

Robbie Fowler Eyes India Role in Unexpected Career Twist

Robbie Fowler, a name etched in Premier League history, is once again in the headlines. This time, the former Liverpool forward is looking to step into the international arena, having reportedly applied for the vacant Indian national team manager role. The Times of India broke the story, citing a senior official who revealed, “This time around, there’s also interest from across the world, but not as many high-profile candidates.”

Fowler’s career as a manager has not matched the heights of his playing days, where he scored 128 goals for Liverpool and also turned out for Leeds United and Manchester City. His coaching CV includes stints at Muangthong United, Brisbane Roar, East Bengal and most recently, Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia.

Despite never staying longer than a year in any role, his determination to return to management is notable. The Times of India report states, “Fowler is now eyeing a return to the dugout.”

Photo: IMAGO

India Job a Chance to Rebuild Reputation

India’s current FIFA ranking of 133 reflects the scale of the task at hand. Qualification for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup hangs in the balance, with four must-win games ahead. It’s a high-pressure role, but one with opportunity for lasting impact.

Fowler’s recent managerial record may raise questions. At East Bengal, he managed just three wins from 20 matches. His most recent job at Al-Qadsiah ended after four months despite six wins and two draws, and the contract was ultimately terminated. However, his passion for the game and willingness to take on difficult challenges remain undimmed.

The idea of Fowler leading India may surprise some, but given the relatively low-profile interest in the role this year, it is not out of reach. “Last year there was massive interest in the job, many of them (current) national team coaches and those who had managed teams at the FIFA World Cup,” said the official quoted by Times of India.

Familiar Faces in the Running

Fowler is not alone in his pursuit of the job. Fellow former Liverpool man Harry Kewell is also a contender. The two were teammates at Leeds United and shared a brief period together at Liverpool in the mid-2000s.

Other names in contention include former Brazil U-17 coach Caio Zanardie and Jordi Vinyals, who once managed Barcelona’s reserves. Despite these resumes, Fowler’s reputation and Premier League pedigree could give him a unique edge, especially in a region looking to raise the profile of its football infrastructure.

What Fowler Could Bring to Indian Football

If appointed, Fowler would bring visibility and a global perspective to Indian football. His understanding of elite-level football, coupled with recent experiences in developing football markets, could be well-suited to India’s ambitions.

His career has shown he is not afraid to start small or take on underdog roles. For Indian football, which continues to search for a meaningful presence on the international stage, such attributes may outweigh past managerial results.

Fowler’s appointment, if it materialises, would be both a gamble and an intriguing opportunity. A footballing nation still in transition could offer the perfect platform for a managerial reinvention.