Swedish coach Sven-Göran Eriksson was celebrated with loud applause at Liverpool FC’s legendary game at Anfield Road. On his emotional return to the dugout, Eriksson, who was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, led the selection of former Liverpool players to a 4-2 win against the legendary Ajax Amsterdam team.
Shortly before the game, the Swede and current Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp warmly hugged each other. It could have been Eriksson’s last appearance on the sidelines of a football game.
Sven-Göran Eriksson (left) next to former Liverpool player Steven Gerrard.
(Photo: Jason Cairnduff/Action Images via Reuters)
With his efforts, the 76-year-old fulfilled a heartfelt wish on Saturday. Eriksson made his diagnosis public in January, after which Klopp invited the great Liverpool fan to the game. Before kick-off, Eriksson came onto the pitch first with a walk-in child in hand. Around 60,000 fans stood and applauded before the club anthem “You’ll never walk alone” was played.
Proceeds from the charity game will be donated to local organizations
“I want to enjoy every minute,” emphasized Steven Gerrard before the start of the game. “It still feels like a very special place,” agreed his former teammate Fernando Torres: “And it’s a special day for Sven.” Eriksson managed a selection of former Liverpool players at Anfield, including Jerzy Dudek, Sami Hyypiä and Dirk Kuyt. The proceeds from the charity game against the legendary Ajax team will be donated to local institutions that are primarily committed to education and social issues.
The Swede, who is nicknamed “Svennis” in his homeland, resigned from his position as sports director at the Swedish club IF Karlstadt at the beginning of the year after his cancer diagnosis. In his coaching career, the former defensive player coached, among others, the clubs Benfica Lisbon, AS and Lazio Rome and Manchester City as well as the national teams of England, Mexico, the Philippines and the Ivory Coast.