Arne Slot appeared to lose the Liverpool fans before being replaced by Andoni Iraola, and Robbie Fowler thought that something needed to happen to bring back the aggressive tactics
04:00, 29 Jul 2026
Robbie Fowler knew that something needed to happen for Liverpool to start playing on the front foot
Robbie Fowler knew that something needed to happen for Liverpool to start playing on the front foot(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is delighted that Andoni Iraola will bring back an aggressive style of play at Anfield next season, after admitting that the proactive nature became lost under Arne Slot.
Iraola made a winning start on the U.S. preseason tour with Liverpool with a 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville. Liverpool will next face Wrexham in New York before completing the tour in Chicago with a game against Leeds.
Liverpool fans are yet to see the full roster together, with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo returning to training back in the United Kingdom while the rest of the squad is Stateside. However, the early signs are promising, and Fowler is delighted that the fans will receive a "lift" that was infrequent last season.
Fowler spoke exclusively to Liverpool.com in New York City ahead of Wednesday's preseason clash against Wrexham. When asked about Milos Kerkez's glowing praise for Iraola, Fowler revealed that he was also ecstatic about the change of intensity.
"He’s (Kerkez) obviously got a history with the manager as well, and we want to see him perform," Fowler told Liverpool.com. "Good start, the intensity and the levels were probably missing last year.
“I don’t want to speak bad of Arne, but I think there was a point where we’re watching Liverpool and it was fairly evident that something needed to happen in terms of the team being proactive and getting on the front foot.
Robbie Fowler spoke to Liverpool.com in New York City
Robbie Fowler spoke to Liverpool.com in New York City(Image: Liverpool.com)
“I think the fans need that to give them a little bit of a lift as well. We’ve seen many times in the past how those supporters can drag that team, and if you’ve got that front foot defending and attacking football team, it’s fairly easy for the support to get behind."
However, Iraola's style of play has led to some concerns ahead of next season. Iraola has been widely praised for his high-intensity approach while at Bournemouth, but the team didn't have European soccer to contest with.
Iraola's squad is expected to be among the fittest in the Premier League next season, but Fowler isn't sure whether Liverpool currently has the roster depth to manage all competitions. "At the minute, no," Fowler said.
Andoni Iraola's style of play has excited Liverpool fans
Andoni Iraola's style of play has excited Liverpool fans(Image: Getty Images)
"I think he’s (Iraola) come out himself and said he needs players and he wants players. I’m sure the club will be delving into every opportunity to make that right.
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"But player-wise, I’m not sure who’s going to come in. There’s a little bit of time in the window, I’m sure players will come in.
"When they’ll come in, I don’t know. I’m a Liverpool fan, and like every Liverpool fan, you want to see players come in."
Liverpool's major summer signings so far are Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, though the former was agreed before the end of last season. Liverpool has been linked with several targets, but it's expected to be a late flurry in the window for the Premier League side.