Sven-Goran Eriksson has finally fulfilled his lifelong dream of managing Liverpool – a wish he revealed after his terminal cancer diagnosis.
The 76-year-old former England manager went public with his diagnosis in January, telling Sky News in an interview he “always wished to be the manager of Liverpool”.
On Saturday his dreams were realised as he stepped out as manager of Liverpool Legends, as they played in a charity match against Ajax at Anfield.
After the game finished 4-2 to Liverpool, Eriksson told a post-match news conference: “That will be a huge memory in life. Absolutely beautiful.
“To sit on the bench for Liverpool, that’s been my dream my whole life. Now it happened, and it was a beautiful day in all meanings.
“The crowd, the game, the players, everything, fantastic, and thank you to Liverpool for giving me this opportunity, to invite me for such an important game – it’s not points but the importance of the game is incredible.
“It was full of emotions, tears coming. It’s been my dream club all my life – even when I had England, I also supported Liverpool, but I couldn’t say it at that time.
“It’s a good finish, to finish with Liverpool, it can’t be much better than that.”
Eriksson with Steven Gerrard before the match. Pic: PA
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He was joined on the bench by former stars of the team John Barnes, Ian Rush, and John Aldridge.
The team was captained by Steven Gerrard, who was part of the England squad when Eriksson was in charge.
Gerrard said: “Sven being here today was very special, as soon as I knew he was going to be the gaffer today, I couldn’t wait to come and play with him one last time.”
Eriksson on the bench at Anfield. Pic: PA
Eriksson also revealed he met Jurgen Klopp for the first time ahead of a training session on Friday.
He said: “It was a surprise, he came to the dressing room before training yesterday and he said something to the team.
Eriksson and John Barnes ahead of the game. Pic: PA
Eriksson is hugged by Gregory Vignal. Pic: PA
“A great man, great manager, doing extremely well with Liverpool and can win in Europe, win the Premier League this season. It was an honour to meet him for sure.”
A record-breaking 60,000 people turned out for the Legends game – the eighth annual event so far.
Previous matches have raised £6.4m for the LFC Foundation, which funds education programmes and the club’s former players association.
