Former Leeds United striker Robbie Fowler has revealed how inspirational messages from Jurgen Klopp and Sir Alex Ferguson have helped kick-start his managerial career with Brisbane Roar.
Fowler detailed the gamble he took by moving to Australia to begin his coaching career in the A-League, having failed to earn an interview with four League One clubs in England.
A calculated gamble, by Fowler's own admission, especially when in his own words: "A lot of people in Australia wanted me to fail. I'm not sure they embrace the foreign manager."
Fowler's task was clear from the off, as he was challenged to overhaul a playing squad that had conceded 77 goals last season.
After a bumpy start with just two wins in 11 matches, Fowler's methods began to bear fruit and soon Brisbane were flying and the best side in the division.
With four games to go, they have conceded only 24 goals, a staggering switch in as little as 12 months.
The secret? Creating a blueprint and philosophy to which his players have indulged in, thanks to the help of some Premier League greats.
Fowler revealed how a pre-season presentation, filled with messages from players' families and two motivating speeches from Klopp at Liverpool and Ferguson, manager of Fowler's arch-rivals throughout his playing career.
"It was incredible that these great men wanted to do that,'" Fowler told the Daily Mail.
"Sir Alex was an incredible manager of our rivals, but I've always got on well with him. I think he always liked me as a player. This message he sent is my greatest memory of him.
"When you deal with people like him, it's not always through football that you realise how good they are. He didn't have to do it but he did it without hesitation. We know how passionate and how good he was as a manager. But let me tell you this: he is a gentleman, first and foremost."
