Sport | Football

Sven-Goran Eriksson fulfils a lifelong dream by taking charge of Liverpool in Anfield charity match

Close

George Flood2 minutes ago

Liverpool Legends vs Ajax LIVE!

I had to retire through mental health and addiction - but I love helping former Liverpool team-mate	How much Liverpool paid to sign every first-team squad player in the transfer market	Liverpool injury update: Andy Robertson, Darwin Nunez and Alisson latest news and return dates

It’s set to be an emotional afternoon at Anfield today as Sven-Goran Eriksson takes charge of a Liverpool Legends outfit in a charity friendly against Ajax.

A host of past Liverpool stars are set to take to the pitch on Saturday, including Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Sami Hyypia, Dirk Kuyt and many more.

Gerrard and Mark Gonzalez were on the scoresheet 12 months ago in a 2-0 win over Celtic, but this time it’s Ajax who provide the competition.

Follow Liverpool Legends vs Ajax live below!

Liverpool Legends vs Ajax latest news

Kick-off time: 3pm GMT, Anfield How to watch charity friendly Sven-Goran Eriksson relishing Anfield 'dream' Liverpool starting lineup Ajax starting lineup6 minutes agoEdgar Davids replaces Nwankwo Kanu in Ajax squad

One late change to the scheduled Ajax Legends squad being coached by Sjaak Swart and Danny Blind at Anfield this afternoon.

There is no Nwankwo Kanu after all, with his place taken by a certain Edgar Davids.

Not a bad replacement to call upon...

Peter Byrne/PA Wire

12 minutes agoAjax Legends lineup

Starting XI: Gentenaar, Van Rhijn, Lindenbergh, De Zeeuw, Emanuelson, Litmanen, Enoh, Van der Vaart, Tahamata, De Jong, Boerrigter

18 minutes agoLiverpool Legends lineup

Here’s how Sven-Goran Eriksson’s Reds will start the game at Anfield:

Starting XI: Dudek, Kvarme, Skrtel, Agger, Aurelio, Sissoko, Spearing, Maxi, Gerrard, Babel, Torres

Subs: Kirkland, Westerveld, Hyypia, Vignal, Biscan, Gonzalez, Cisse, El Zhar, Kuyt, Litmanen

29 minutes agoAnfield sold-out for friendly to raise money for LFC Foundation

Liverpool confirmed yesterday that today’s game is now a sell-out.

59,655 fans will in attendance at Anfield this afternoon, which is some effort.

Hopefully plenty more money will be raised for the LFC Foundation, Liverpool’s official charity who work in areas of high need and deprivation across the Liverpool City region, having helped more than 120,000 people so far.

The charity’s aim is to “deliver sustainable and long-term change for communities” and “harness the power of the LFC family to create life-changing opportunities for the most underserved communities home and away.”

The previous LFC Foundation friendlies have raised a combined £6.4million for the charity.

38 minutes agoSven-Goran Eriksson reveals he was previously 'close' to Liverpool job

Ahead of what he sadly admits will likely be his last game in management, Eriksson, 76, also made the surprising revelation that he came close to taking the Liverpool job once in the past.

“If I said no (I don’t miss management), I would lie,” he said.

I got invited so thank you for that.”

45 minutes agoSven-Goran Eriksson reveals origins of lifelong love for Liverpool

Here’s more from Sven-Goran Eriksson on his lifelong love of Liverpool.

“My father was a Liverpool fan, he's still a Liverpool fan – he still lives – so it came from there,” he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

"Then in Sweden they started [a TV show] so every Saturday you could see one game.

They are still doing great."

56 minutes ago

A really nice moment shared between Sven-Goran Eriksson and Jurgen Klopp earlier too...

59 minutes ago

Sven-Goran Eriksson will be joined by Ian Rush, John Barnes and John Aldridge in the Liverpool dugout this afternoon.

Here’s the Swede reuniting with former England stalwart Steven Gerrard, who also shared a warm embrace with Jurgen Klopp upon arriving back at Anfield...

1 hour agoTorres looking to restore special Gerrard connection

In an interview with Liverpool’s official website this week, Fernando Torres also spoke of his hopes to quickly rediscover that memorable on-pitch connection with Steven Gerrard.

“Hopefully!

To play with Stevie at Anfield is even more special."

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

1 hour agoFernando Torres: I can't wait to wear the Liverpool shirt again

While Steven Gerrard is a familiar fixture in these annual charity friendlies that raise money for the LFC Foundation, Fernando Torres is taking part for the very first time this afternoon.

The legendary Spanish striker, who retired from professional football in 2019, scored 81 goals in 142 matches for the Reds between 2007-11 before joining Chelsea in a then-British record £50m transfer and being replaced by Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.

"Honestly, I can't wait," said Torres, who now coaches in the Atletico Madrid youth setup.

"It's been a long time and I'm really looking forward to it.

"I'm really looking forward to going back to the city and the stadium and meet the supporters and see many of my old team-mates and remember old times, happy times.

Liverpool FC via Getty Images

“I can't wait to wear the Liverpool shirt again in front of the Kop.
For more news relating to Chelsea, visit our sister site Chelsea Latest Live.