Manchester City is a team that in the first years after the arrival of the sheikhs was famous for dubious transfers. However, over time, the situation improved and the club became the strongest in the Premier League. By the way, if you don’t miss its football scores yesterday, it’s easy to follow the team’s progress in all competitions.
As for dubious signings, they happened even before the arrival of the sheikhs. Robbie Fowler is traditionally called not the most successful transfer of the Citizens. The English forward joined the team in 2003.
Before that, Robbie had successfully played in Liverpool and Leeds. The latter broke up with the striker only because of financial problems. Almost £10m was paid for Fowler, probably counting on him as a first-team player. However, the transfer initially seemed doubtful. Despite the fact that he was not yet 30 and he performed successfully at Leeds, it seemed to many that his career was on the decline.
Fowler initially didn’t want to go to the City because David Bernstein was there. Yes, he soon left his position, but this didn’t help the Englishman. As a result, for 3.5 years in the team, the striker scored only 21 goals in the Premier League. Each season, he Brough less benefit to the club. In the summer of 2006, the Englishman’s contract ended and he left the team as a free agent. Hardly anyone regretted it.
Reasons for Fowler’s failure at Manchester City
Fowler was a talented but unstable player. He combined successful games and outright failures. And in Manchester City, where they initially relied on him, this was especially noticeable. By the way, now it’s easy to follow yesterday’s games and their football scores on the trusted site.
Among the main reasons for the attacker’s failure are:
- Constant injuries. Robbie was regularly injured and in 3.5 years played only 80 matches in the Premier League, and not all of them were complete. Because of injuries, he couldn’t gain optimal condition and demonstrate his maximum.
- Pressure from fans. Initially, people demanded too much of him. What’s more, after Fowler missed a penalty in 2004/05 that could have taken Man City to the UEFA Cup, the pressure only got stronger.
- Lack of understanding with partners. On the field, the player often looked aloof and couldn’t help the team.
In fact, Fowler’s move to Manchester City proved that his career was in decline. True, he still played well in the season 2006/07 at Liverpool. As for the period that the striker spent at Manchester City, it was one of the worst in his career.