Sven-Goran Eriksen has finally achieved his lifelong dream of coaching Liverpool – a desire he revealed after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 76-year-old former England manager revealed his diagnosis in January. Said in an interview with Sky News He “always wanted to be the manager of Liverpool”.
His dream came true on Saturday when he resigned as manager of Liverpool Legends during their charity match against Ajax at Anfield.
After Liverpool’s 4-2 victory, Eriksen said at the post-match press conference: “It will be a huge memory in life. Absolutely beautiful.”
“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine to be on the bench for Liverpool. Now that it’s happened, it’s a great day in every way.”
Eriksen joined Ian Rush and John Aldridge in the Liverpool Legends squad on Saturday. Image: PA
“The crowd, the game, the players, everything was fantastic and thank you Liverpool for giving me this opportunity and inviting me to play in such an important game – it’s not points, but the importance of the game is unbelievable.
“It was full of emotion and tears came to my eyes. This is my lifelong dream club – even when I was in charge of England I supported Liverpool but I couldn’t say it at the time.”
“It’s a good ending, to end the game with Liverpool, it doesn’t get any better than this.”
Eriksen poses with Steven Gerrard before the game. Image: PA
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Joining him on the bench were the team’s former stars John Barnes, Ian Rush and John Aldridge.
The team is captained by Steven Gerrard, who was part of the England squad when Eriksen was in charge.
Gerrard said: “It’s very special for Sven to be here today and when I knew he was going to be the manager today I couldn’t wait to come and play against him one last time.”
Eriksen was on the bench at Anfield. Image: PA
Eriksen also revealed he met Jurgen Klopp for the first time before training on Friday.
He said: “It was a surprise, he came into the dressing room before training yesterday and said something to the team.
Eriksen and John Barnes before the game. Image: PA
Eriksen is hugged by Grigory Wiener. Image: PA
“A great man, great coach, doing very well at Liverpool and can win in Europe, win the Premier League this season. It’s an honor to meet him.”
A record 60,000 people attended Legends Games, the eighth annual event to date.
Previous games have raised £6.4 million for the LFC Foundation, which funds education projects and the club’s former players association.
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