The former England boss takes charge of a Liverpool Legends team against former Ajax stars at Anfield today having disclosed his terminal cancer diagnosis in January
Sven Goran Eriksson had a simple message for Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp when they met earlier today ahead of an exhibition match at Anfield.
The former England boss is taking charge of a Liverpool Legends XI against a team of Ajax greats as he “realises a dream”.
Eriksson revealed a terminal cancer diagnosis in January and when meeting with Klopp before today’s charity game, Eriksson was unequivocal in his praise.
“Legend. What a legend,” the Swede told Klopp, who is leaving the club this summer after nine years in charge.. “Congratulations. You’re doing great.”
Eriksson, who was the first non-Englishman to manage the national team, is a lifelong supporter of the Reds and will manage a team featuring Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyppia and Fernando Torres this afternoon for a game that is raising funds for the club’s foundation.
An attendance of almost 60,000 is expected at Anfield and Eriksson said: “When I was a manager I always dreamed about [managing] Liverpool but it never happened. It was close once. There were some discussions once with a director, many years ago.
“My father was a Liverpool fan, still is a Liverpool fan, so it [his love for the club] came from there. It’s like a dream [taking charge of the legends team] and when they [the club] asked I thought it was a joke. But I said: ‘Of course I will come,’ and it is for charity which makes it even more lovely.
“Anfield has maybe the best atmosphere in the world and part of that is the song when the players come out: You’ll Never Walk Alone,” he said. “It makes me [gestures to show his hair standing on end] and I’m looking forward to hearing it on Saturday. I’m very honoured and thankful to Liverpool that they give me this opportunity.”.
Sven-Goran Eriksson will lead a Liverpool legends XI out against Ajax at 3pm this afternoon. (
Image:
Getty Images)
Eriksson also tipped Liverpool to win the Premier League and pip reigning champions Manchester City, whom he previously managed. He added: “I think Liverpool will win the league. They can’t win the FA Cup unfortunately. They play very good football. Young players coming, players which I never saw.
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“Suddenly they put them in very important games as well. You need a lot of courage to do that. It’s nice to see that. Liverpool is great and Liverpool will be great, even in the future, looking at the young players.”
Liverpool Legends squad to face Ajax: Jerzy Dudek, Sander Westerveld, Chris Kirkland, Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio, Sami Hyypia, Bjorn Tore Kvarme, Martin Skrtel, Gregory Vignal, Igor Biscan, Steven Gerrard, Mark Gonzalez, Maxi Rodriguez, Momo Sissoko, Jay Spearing, Ryan Babel, Djibril Cisse, Nabil El Zhar, Dirk Kuyt, Jari Litmanen, Fernando Torres.
