ionigeria.com Nigerian Newspaper
Lifelong Liverpool fan and former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson revealed recently that he had a dream to manage the Reds after his terminal cancer diagnosis emerged – now he will get that opportunity
Sven-Goran Eriksson will get his dream of managing a Liverpool side from the Anfield dugout next month.
The former England boss will be part of the management team for the LFC Legends against Ajax Legends in the annual LFC Foundation charity match.
Eriksson will join Kop greats like Ian Rush, John Barnes, and John Aldridge for the charity event on March 23 at Anfield. The Swede revealed last month that he has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer and could have just a year to live.
But he also admitted that he had always dreamed of managing his beloved Liverpool. Now that dream will come true.
A statement said: “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 23 March.
“The former England boss will join a dugout of LFC greats, including Ian Rush, John Barnes, and John Aldridge, for the annual LFC Foundation charity match.
“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.”
Istanbul hero goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek and fellow shot-stopper Sander Westerveld are part of the Liverpool playing squad.
Defenders Martin Skrtel, Fabio Auerlio, and Gregory Vignal are also confirmed and Djibril Cisse will play, too. Former Reds and Ajax forward Ryan Babel will feature for both sides in the game.
The statement added: “One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised from the fixture – presented by AXA the club’s official training partner – will support the work of LFC Foundation and its charity partners.
“LFC Foundation’s two previous legends matches against Manchester United and Celtic raised an incredible £1.45 million, which is now supporting its vital work across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
Eriksson has vowed that he won’t let the disease consume his life, despite acknowledging that time is running out. Speaking ahead of an awards dinner in his homeland last month, he said: “I refuse to give up, I want to live an everyday normal life.”
Jurgen Klopp has already declared he will welcome Eriksson with open arms.
“I heard for the first time about his admiration or love for Liverpool and that he was a fan for his whole life,” he told reporters. “So, I heard now about the legends match and stuff like that. I’m not in charge of that so I can’t say anything about 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.
