Sven-Goran Eriksson reveals he almost became Liverpool manager 'many years ago'

In a bombshell revelation, former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted that he once came close to managing Liverpool.

Eriksson, a boyhood Liverpool supporter, will realise a lifelong dream to manage the Reds in tomorrow's Liverpool Legends match against Ajax aimed at raising funds for the LFC Foundation.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference alongside his assistant manager, John Barnes, the 76-year-old, who is battling terminal pancreatic cancer, expressed immense pride at being asked to sit in the Reds' dugout for the game: "It's like a dream. I always dreamt of Liverpool."

However, there was a time when he could have been doing it 'for real'.

"There were discussions once. Many years ago. It never happened," he said.

A distinguished career

Although the Swede didn't specify exactly when these talks were supposed to have happened, he suggested it was prior to David Moores's reign as chairman, therefore some time before 1991.

But while his dream of leading Liverpool didn't materialise then, Eriksson went on to enjoy a distinguished managerial career spanning five decades.

In addition to managing the England national team from 2001 to 2006, he headed illustrious clubs such as Roma, Benfica, Lazio and English outfits Leicester City and Manchester City.

Legends game

Despite missing out on the Anfield hotseat in the past, Eriksson is set to fulfill his dream in a different capacity when he manages Liverpool legends, including Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, in the charity match on Saturday.

https://anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-legends-vs-ajax-legends-eveything-you-need-to-know/

Reflecting on the opportunity, Eriksson expressed his initial disbelief, stating, "When they asked, I thought it was a joke! So I said, of course. And it’s for charity, which makes it even more lovely."

A long connection with the Reds

Eriksson's connection to Liverpool goes back a long time. The Swede admitted he followed the club very closely during his childhood.

In fact, his affinity for Liverpool stems from his father, who instilled a love for the club in him from a young age. "He always was a Liverpool fan and still is," Eriksson revealed.

Then, in 1979, he was invited by the club to visit the facilities at Melwood.

"I wrote to the club and asked if I come to see a training session," he said. "So I came to the games and saw some training and I was honoured to go into the Boot Room. That was great, it was fantastic. The quality of the play was incredible.”