So it's no surprise the former German international is unsure what to make of the rumour Fowler is firming as the favourite to take the coaching role at fellow A-League team Brisbane.

The Liverpool legend, who played alongside Babbel at Anfield as the Reds claimed a treble of cups in the 2000-01 season, is believed to be among a shortlist of candidates to take over at the Roar following John Aloisi's resignation in December.

Fowler, who played with North Queensland Fury and Perth in the A-League during the latter stages of his career, has never held a coaching role and Babbel admits the ex-England forward didn't strike him as the type to pursue that career.

"No. He was a striker. He was just thinking for goals," Babbel said.

"I know he's a top person. He was helping me a lot in my time in Liverpool.

"Fantastic striker but I haven't seen him now, the last time was five-six years ago. If he would come, great personality of course, but I don't know how good he is as a coach."

The Roar are expected to name their new coach in the next few weeks, with former Welsh international Carl Robinson also understood to be in the frame.

Whoever takes over at the struggling A-League club will have an immediate challenge of shoring up a defence that has now shipped 50 goals in 21 games following a 4-1 thumping by Babbel's Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.

The Roar have conceded two goals or more in 15 games this season, a statistic that interim coach Darren Davies knows doesn't equate to success.

"Championships, I suppose, are built on defence and keeping clean sheets. That's certainly an area where it's obvious we need to improve," Davies said.

Australian Associated Press