Liverpool grant Sven's wish: Eriksson gets dream Reds management role

Robin Bairner

• 13 Feb 2024 12:34 GMT
• 2 min read

Liverpool are to grant the wish of managerial great Sven-Goran Eriksson by offering him the chance to manage at Anfield in a charity match against Ajax Legends.

Eriksson, 76, revealed in January that he is terminally ill and in the “best case” has a year to live.

The Swede has built up a legendary reputation over a management career that spanned more than 40 years and saw him coach clubs like Benfica, Sampdoria, Lazio and Manchester City among others. He also famously led England for five years between 2001 and 2006.

Despite a storied career, he revealed that it was his dream to manage Liverpool, and now the Anfield club are to grant him that opportunity in a charity game against Ajax.

In a statement posted on the club’s official website, Liverpool stated: “Liverpool FC is delighted to confirm Sven-Goran Eriksson will be part of the LFC Legends management team for the game against Ajax Legends at Anfield on March 23.

“All connected with the club and LFC Foundation look forward to warmly welcoming LFC fan Sven and his family to Anfield - and seeing him in the dugout on the day - for a fantastic fundraising occasion.”

Klopp invites Eriksson to take charge

Previously, outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp invited the legendary boss to the club.

"It was obviously very touching news when you heard about it," he began.

"I heard for the first time about his admiration or love for Liverpool and that he was a fan for his whole life. I heard now about the Legends [game] and stuff like that. I'm not in charge of that.

"The only thing I can say is absolutely he's very welcome to come here and he can sit in my seat in my office and do my job for a day if he wants. That's no problem.

"Being on the sideline might be a little bit more difficult. To have him here and show him everything and how this wonderful club developed over the years, I think that's definitely something we will tell him.

"He can come over and have a few wonderful hours here, I'm sure."

Proceeds from the match are set to go towards the work of the LFC foundation, with previous such fixtures against Manchester United and Celtic raising nearly £1.5 million for good causes.