Sven-Göran Eriksson to manage Liverpool just for one day

The Swedish coach has always wanted to manage the Reds. His wish will be fulfilled in next month’s charity match against Ajax Legends at Anfield.

It was always at the back of Sven-Göran Eriksson’s mind to one day occupy the bench at Anfield. The Swedish coach, who turned 76 last week, will finally see his dream come true next month when he will lead a team of Liverpool veterans against counterparts from Ajax in the annual Legends charity match. A club statement read: “Liverpool FC is delighted to confirm Sven-Göran 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”.

One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised from the game will go towards supporting the work of LFC Foundation and its charity partners. The club’s two previous legends games - against Manchester United in 2022 and Celtic last year raised a combined total of £1.45 million - funds which have gone to provide help for areas of high need and deprivation across Merseyside.

Eriksson’s name was first mentioned for the role of guest manager of hosts in the Legends game last month, when he revealed that he has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The coach is battling pancreatic cancer, which is believed to be at an advanced stage. The Swedish coach recently admitted being a lifelong Liverpool fan, following the team with the same passion his father since he was a boy growing up in Torsby. He explained that he had to hide his predilection for the Reds during his time as England manager as to not cause any misunderstandings. He confessed to Sky Sports