Sven-Goran Eriksson has called it an “honour” to meet Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp for the first time before taking charge of a legends game for charity between the Reds and Ajax at a sold-out Anfield.
Former England manager Eriksson, who said in January that he had been given a year “at best” to live as part of a cancer diagnosis, was filmed speaking to Klopp hours before the Swede oversees a home team including iconic midfielder Steven Gerrard and beloved striker Fernando Torres.
“We had a quick talk,” said Eriksson, who also revealed on Friday that he once held discussions with Liverpool over becoming their boss.
“We had never met before so it was an honour to meet him. He’s doing a great job.”
Read our other football news stories here:
Eriksson says he was ‘close’ to Liverpool spell
Gomez glad to be back with England
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez pulls out of Uruguay squad
Klopp wore a flat cap and grinned as he posed with Eriksson and showed his support for an event which Liverpool say has raised £6.4 million for local and international causes since first taking place in 2017.
“It’s a unique occasion for football and Liverpool,” said Eriksson. “All of them looked very fit and were running around and playing.
“They did very well. I know Steven Gerrard very well. He looks very fit, so I’m sure he can play the whole match, maybe.
“I wish I’d been here before. It’s fantastic of the club to invite me; I never worked for Liverpool.”
“What a legend!” PIC.TWITTER.COM/DOIXYBZTOM
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) MARCH 23, 2024
Liverpool legends vs Ajax legends ‘fantastic’
Around 60,000 people will see former Liverpool and Three Lions winger John Barnes join Eriksson in the technical area.
“We’ve known each other throughout the years because we shared an agent, so our paths have crossed,” said Barnes.
“It’s fantastic to have him here and for him to experience the Liverpool family because his dad supported Liverpool and he supports Liverpool. The reception he’s got from the fans is fantastic.”
Klopp extended an open invitation in January to former Manchester City manager Eriksson to visit Liverpool.
The German, who is in the final season of his nine-year tenure, told Liverpool’s website in February: “With that experience on the bench, they should have a good game. I’m really happy for Sven that he can have that opportunity.”
