Liverpool told José Mourinho may have been better option over Arne Slot amid Real Madrid theory

Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has suggested José Mourinho would have been an ideal option to replace Jürgen Klopp. The Reds have confirmed Arne Slot as their new head coach after months of speculation over who would succeed Klopp.

The likes of Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim were heavily linked before Liverpool settled on the Dutchman. Slot will officially start work on June 1 as he follows in the footsteps of one of Liverpool's greatest ever managers.

Fowler believes pursuing a more experienced option may have actually been better for Liverpool, with ex-Manchester United and Chelsea boss Mourinho getting his backing.

READ MORE: Ex-Livepool striker could now end up at Bayern Munich as Man City ace 'has $64m release clause'

READ MORE: Xabi Alonso agrees with Jürgen Klopp as Bayer Leverkusen suffers same fate as Liverpool

He told Crypto Casino LTD: "I could understand why you would get someone like a Mourinho. A case in point would be Real Madrid, for example. When Zinedine Zidane left for the second time, Real didn’t go looking for a young and up-coming manager, it went for an experienced manager in Carlo Ancelotti.

“That experience and that know-how can definitely help a club in transition, but as long as the new manager coming in has the character to go and understand the club, the fans and the culture, then that can make it a little bit easier."

Mourinho, 61, is out of work since leaving Roma in January. He guided the club to the Europa League final last season but was dismissed with Roma in ninth in Serie A.

Slot meanwhile secured second spot with Feyenoord in the Eredivisie, on top of the Dutch Cup triumph, and Fowler believes he can be a success if he is able to adapt to the demands at Anfield.

“As long as Arne Slot comes in and creates the right environment for the players to thrive, then he will get the backing of everyone," he added. "Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if the replacement is experienced or inexperienced.

"It’s more about the feel of the manager and the club. It’s about how someone like Arne Slot can adapt to that current situation and to the club, then we take it for what it is."

Liverpool.com says: Mourinho has had an incredible career but there is a feeling that the game has moved on from his approach in recent years. That is without considering his bust-ups and digs at Liverpool over the years. The Reds need a brave new coach who can take this club forward and Slot does seem to be that man.