Liverpool legends will once again retrace their steps and take to the hallowed Anfield turf this year for the eighth time, on this occasion taking on their Ajax counterparts as they continue to raise money for the LFC Foundation.
These games have previously raised over £6.4million in vital funds to benefit people both in the Liverpool City region and beyond, a truly worthy cause and a unique way in which to celebrate those who graced our lives whilst also supporting a good cause.
This time will be made all the more special as the Reds’ will be managed by former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson after the Swede revealed recently his love and support for the club whilst discussing the news of his heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis.
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Following a groundswell across social media and news outlets, the LFC Foundation and the club proudly announced Sven would take charge of the Legends against Ajax, allowing him to fulfil a lifelong ambition in the process of being in the home dugout, soaking in the famous atmosphere and cherishing You’ll Never Walk Alone from the Kop, a moment that is almost certain to be all the more poignant.
Ahead of the match, Dan attended the pre-match press conference with Sven himself, Liverpool assistant manager for the day and legendary former player John Barnes, plus Matt Parish from the LFC Foundation.
“My father was a Liverpool fan. Still is a Liverpool fan. In 79, something like that, I wrote to the club and asked if I could come see a game. They let me, I was honoured to go to the boot room. For many many years Liverpool dominated football, I played them twice with Benfica, and we lost here.
“It’s like a dream. When I was a manager, I always dreamt about Liverpool but that never happened, it was close once, many years ago, there were some discussions. It never happened, but now it happens. When they asked I thought it was a joke. I said ‘Of course I will come, it’s a charity which makes it even better’.”
Barnes: “The greatest thing about it is 59,000, but this is going to be the biggest crowd. I haven’t been involved in the Legends matches recently and seen the quality, the speed and the size. But the most important thing is the foundation. And that’s what we have to appreciate.
‘This may be a one-off, but the money that will be raised to help keep people off the streets, that unseen work, that’s what this football club is all about. Champions Leagues are great, but this, giving back to the community, that’s what it’s all about.
Barnes on Sven almost buying him as a player: “I did know, because in the 80s they were all in Italy, I think it was about 85′ but if you’ve ever been to Rome, it’s not a bad place to live, not as nice as the Wirral. It was fate, at the time they were only allowed two foreign players so I couldn’t go, which meant I signed for Liverpool.”
Sven: “What a player (Gerrard). It will be very nice to see him. His mentality is to move mountains,”
On missing management: “If I said no, I would lie. Now it’s over, almost, this will be the last game I suppose.”
Matt Parish on Sven’s involvement: “It’s amazing, it just goes to show what happens when football fans get together, especially Liverpool fans. John (Barnes) mentioned what the reaction has been, selling out a bigger Anfield, and showed you what it means.
Sven on speaking with Jurgen Klopp: “No I haven’t spoken to him, but it was very kind of him to make an invitation. One day it will come, he’s doing a great job. I think Liverpool will win the league, they’re playing good footballers, young players, playing in important games, it’s nice to see, it’s great and it will be great for the future.”
On walking out at Anfield: “You’ll Never Walk Alone. Magic. I’m very honoured, and thankful to Liverpool that they gave me the opportunity, it’s amazing. You see the power of football, the power of Liverpool, nearly 60,000 for a charity game, fantastic.”
Barnes on the players involved: “If you look at the players who travel from across the world to be involved. They aren’t getting paid a lot of money to be involved. It just shows you what this club means.”
On Anfield: “I think it must be the best atmosphere in the world, from all the places I’ve been to. The atmosphere is incredible.”
On managers who inspired him: “I had a lot of fights with Sir Alex, but I still admire him, even though we fight.”
A large portion of the money raised from this event will support the foundation’s education programmes, including keeping kids in schools and away from gangs.
A percentage of the money raised will also go to Forever Reds, Liverpool’s official former players’ association, helping care for older players in need of support and other local charities.
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