With Suarez, Liverpool can qualify for Champions League: Robbie Fowler

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has high hopes for his club's performance in this year's English Premier League. The former player and manager was in New Delhi to attend the merger between Liverpool FC and XOLO, one of the leading smart mobile devices brands. Speaking to the media in a press conference at The Oberoi, Fowler spoke on the game's popularity in India, Liverpool's form this year and how the club is still one of the most loved among fans all over the world. Here are some excerpts from the media interaction:

Question: How crucial has Luis Suarez' form been for Liverpool this season?

Answer: I keep telling people that it is not just Suarez but the team overall. Suarez would not do so well if he did not have a team to back him, because he is after all part of the team. As far as I am concerned, the Premier League may be the most hyped upon, but the FA Cup is still the best competition in the world. Liverpool is the greatest team in my view. We are thankful for the support that the fans have given us and we would urge them to stick with us and we will be back where we belong. (Suarez signs new contract with Liverpool)

Q: Do you think that the current Liverpool squad has what it takes to win the English Premier League title?

A: To be honest, the squad is not as good as some of the other teams. However, our advantage is that since we are not playing the Champions League and are already out of the Carling Cup, the strain of games is less for us. I would not be so bold as to suggest that Liverpool are set to win the title, but I do believe that they can finish in the top four and earn a place in the Champions League. We have a good bunch of players and a good manager at the helm, and I have no doubt in my mind that we can return to the Champions League.

Q: How important is it for Liverpool to pool in more players from their youth academy?

A: One must remember that at the end of the day, football is a business and clubs want success straightaway. So managers will want to buy the best players on offer and spend millions in doing so. However, it is important to bring one's local talent through to the highest level of the game.

Q: Has too much of club football affected the performance of players when they represent England? (Liverpool go to top of table)

A: That is an interesting question because I feel that at times club performances can take a toll on a player's ability to perform for his country. I don't deny that England have suffered on occasions due to players underperforming in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup. England were lucky to make it this time and while many people feel they are in a tough group, I think if they can qualify for the next round, who knows what they can achieve.

Q: What kind of future do you see for football in India?

A: The scope for football in India is massive. You need talent and luck to become a footballer. Liverpool is planning to open an academy in Pune later this year and such academies will help develop football in the country. The passion for the game has grown considerably in India over a period of time. We have got a massive fan following all over the world and a huge fan base in India alone. But I would not say football is going to overthrow cricket as the number one sport in this country overnight. India is a crazy nation as far as cricket is concerned and it would not be fair for me to judge whether or not football can take cricket's place in the hearts of the Indian people. Maybe football won't have that big an impact as cricket has in India, but you never know what can happen in the future.