Liverpool’s quest for multiple trophies has been reduced to what now seems like the mere formality of securing the Premier League title, setting up an anticlimactic finish to Arne Slot’s first season in charge. However, club legend Robbie Fowler dismisses any notion of disappointment, believing that a record-equalling 20th English league title will be more than enough to satisfy the club’s supporters.
“If you sat any Liverpool fan down at the start of the season and said, ‘look, you can do well in the Champions League, you’ll be top of the group, you can get to a final, but you’re going to win the Premier League’, what would you take?” Fowler said.
“I think the obvious answer is you want to win the Premier League because a lot of the fans missed out the last time because of COVID and no fans were in the stadium. So I think this one will be extra special. I think the specialness of this will probably override anything that has been negative throughout the season.”
Liverpool’s campaign has not been without setbacks. They suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the League Cup final, crashed out of the Champions League on penalties against Paris Saint-Germain, and endured a stunning FA Cup exit at the hands of second-tier Plymouth Argyle.
Despite these disappointments, Slot’s side holds a commanding 12-point lead in the Premier League title race. After an extended break, they will resume their campaign with a crucial Merseyside derby against Everton on April 2.
Fowler, who will be coaching a North of England legends team against the South of England, believes the fixture against Everton is the perfect opportunity for Liverpool to reassert their dominance.
“I think the big picture is that they’re still in a healthy and a very good place,” Fowler said. “They’ve got a massive game coming up against Everton who are flying and haven’t lost in nine. Everyone remembers last year with people saying Liverpool lost the league at Goodison Park.
“I don’t think they did, but you know the fans sort of hang on to that. A year later and they have the chance of playing Everton and really cementing the title.”
Off the pitch, uncertainty looms over the futures of key players, including Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. While Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, Fowler insists Liverpool must ensure at least two of them remain at the club.
Salah, who has racked up an incredible 27 goals and 17 assists in the Premier League this season, is a player Fowler believes Liverpool cannot afford to lose.
“I would go and give him what he wants for the simple fact that he’s proven,” Fowler said. “Anyone who comes into Liverpool now, you’re going to spend an awful lot of money on getting him here plus wages. Why not give all that money for someone who’s tried and tested?”
