Recently, England’s legendary striker Alan Shearer spoke about a series of topics in an interview, including Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool, Eddie Howe’s three years at Newcastle United, and Kai Havertz.
Is the praise for Klopp too exaggerated?
“On the contrary, I think Klopp has done a great job. Yes, Liverpool is a well-oiled machine with some very good players, but he has complemented this, making the team stronger defensively. They have only lost one game, so it’s not overhyped. Sometimes, a new manager can bring a lift to the team, but there are also many cases where teams fall apart when influential long-term figures leave. The intensity or identity of the team can decline. This is exactly what Liverpool was very keen to avoid after Klopp’s departure.”
What is Eddie Howe’s greatest achievement in his three years at Newcastle United?
“Eddie Howe’s greatest achievement is keeping Newcastle in the league in his first season. Although there have been some huge highs, such as reaching the League Cup final and participating in the Champions League, these achievements could not have happened without securing safety from relegation. Relegation would have been catastrophic. When he was appointed, it looked almost inevitable.”
Which upcoming striker do you see as promising?
“I don’t count Cole Palmer as a striker; he is a modern versatile forward—but I like him as a player, and that’s part of why I wrote about him! His rise from Manchester City to now is remarkable. He is excellent in all aspects, especially in scoring goals. Without him, Chelsea’s performance would not have been as good. He controls everything. His passing ability, his willingness to receive the ball in tight spaces, his shooting…”
Can Havertz continue to develop into a center-forward at Arsenal?
“I have been impressed by Havertz’s performance this season. As for whether he can become a traditional center-forward, see the above mention of Cole Palmer. These things don’t come naturally to him, but in leading the team and being involved in the game, he has done very well, even though Arsenal has had some difficult matches recently. My opinion of him hasn’t changed. Arsenal has Trossard and Jesus, but I still think they need a genuine center-forward. They needed one in the summer, and they still need one now.”
Which current Premier League managers would you most want to play for, and why?
“Pep Guardiola. If I were playing in this current Manchester City team, I would be very confident of scoring over 40 goals a season.”
